Alou Diarra was frustrated to get injured so early into his West Ham career

West Ham midfielder Alou Diarra has spoken of his frustration at picking up an injury so soon after his summer move to Upton Park from Marseille.

Determined

Diarra spent time on Liverpool's books after joining in 2002 but was sent out on three loan deals before eventually departing for Lens without appearing for the Reds. Since then the 31-year-old has been determined to play Premier League football and says the decision to join the Hammers was a no-brainer, despite the fact Marseille wanted to keep him. "West Ham is not a promoted side like any other," said Diarra. "We have achieved a very good start to Premier League. "It is not by chance if I made the decision to join West Ham. It is perfect club at which to adapt to England." He added: "(During my time at Liverpool) I passed like a mirage. I immediately asked to be loaned to France. I didn't have time to become immersed with the English culture. "I've wanted to come back to England for a while." Regarding his departure from Marseille, the midfielder said: "Marseille didn't kick me out. "I had a talk with new coach Elie Baup. He told me he wanted to keep me, and rely on my experience. We were both honest and sincere. "If I wanted I could have stayed at Marseille. I was fine. I still had two years remaining on my contract."