Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Crouch rules out Pompey exit

19 Dec 2008 - 14:02:45

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Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch insists he is not looking to leave Fratton Park in next month's transfer window.

Former Arsenal defender Lauren had predicted that several Pompey stars, including Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson would be following Lassana Diarra out of the club in January, but Crouch is adamant that that is not the case.

He told the Portsmouth News: "At the moment I'm happy here and I'm loving playing every game. When I was at Liverpool I was in and out of the team, but I'm playing every week here."

Diarra is almost certain to join Real Madrid next month in a reported £20million transfer, and Crouch thinks it was an offer the club could not afford to turn down.

He added: "Lassana's a fantastic player and it was just a matter of time before one of the big, big teams came in for him. I've no doubt he's going to go to Madrid and be a big player for them.

"The manager's said it was an offer the club couldn't refuse and, if you look at the amount of money, it makes good business sense.

"We can now get one or maybe two players in that area. If we use the money wisely and strengthen, it will be the best for both parties."