Portsmouth Football Club News

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

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Dream Real move suits Diarra

22 Dec 2008 - 14:44:16

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Midfielder Lassana Diarra is determined to make a success of his big-money move from Portsmouth to Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old France international has moved to the Bernabeu in a deal worth in the region of 20million euros, having signed a four-and-a-half-year contract after successfully passing a medical.

Diarra had previously failed to make an impact at both Chelsea and Arsenal, but insists he is ready to be a hit in the Spanish capital.

He said after sealing his switch: "For four or five years I have been at great clubs, such as Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as the French national team, and I'm ready to play for Real Madrid.

"I have a lot of desire to do well and I'm looking forward to defending the Real Madrid colours.

"It's a dream to be here and I'm very happy. I hope everything goes as well as possible for me here in Madrid.

"I feel capable, I have the abilities and I think Real Madrid is what I needed. I definitely need to adapt to the Spanish game and the language, and I'll need to do it quickly.

"I've played with big clubs, got good experience with the French national team and I still want to improve.

"I want to adapt quickly and show everyone that I can play here. I think it will go well."