Portsmouth Football Club News

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

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Harry: Diarra is so special

11 Feb 2008 - 14:49:41

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has hailed the performances of France midfielder Lassana Diarra since he moved to Fratton Park from Arsenal.

The 22-year-old left the Gunners after just a matter of months with the club to join Pompey in a £5.5million deal last month, seeking regular first-team action.

He has bedded in quickly in Redknapp's side and has scored twice in five appearances, including the winner at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Redknapp told The News: "He is so special, he is out of the top drawer. He is an amazing player.

"The sky's the limit for him. He's so focused and I'm delighted to have him. He'll be fantastic while he is with us.

"People have always sat him in the Claude Makelele role, but he has so much more to offer. He bursts from midfield and goes on runs, he can do that.

"He came out and said he wanted to play for a big, big club. Some players kiss the badge and say they love the club. Then as soon as they get the chance they're off.

"He wants to play for AC Milan, Real Madrid or Barcelona one day. What's wrong with that? Surely you have to be ambitious in this game.

"If he plays like this for the next few years and moves on I'll be delighted.

"He's a strong character. If he makes up his mind to do something, he'll do it. He knows exactly where he's going."