Lassana Diarra has explained why he pushed for a transfer from
Chelsea and joined Arsenal on the last day of the transfer
window.
Diarra is delighted with his Arsenal move and has revealed he has
no problems with Chelsea, as the London club helped him to launch
his career.
The youngster even claims he owes a lot to The Blues as they made
him a famous name and a France international.
This transfer is what I wanted, Diarra declared.
As it was Arsenal, I was expecting it to be done in the last few
hours (of the window transfer). But today I am very happy to be at
Arsenal. And I want to say that I have nothing against
Chelsea.
I experienced bad but also good moments there and they are at
least the club that made me a France international and made me
discover England. I owe them a lot and it will remain a good step
in my life.
The young and versatile player, who impressed at right back with
Les Bleus in the goalless draw with Italy recently, has revealed
his former employers offered him the chance to sign a new
contract.
Chelsea did everything to make me stay until the last moment. They
wanted to extend me a number of times but I did not want for reason
they know, he said.
For me is better today to play for such a club as Arsenal with a
coach like Arsene Wenger, who knows me. It was the best for me to
leave Chelsea.
The 22-year-old has explained he was not part of Jose Mourinhos
plans for the beginning of the season and the fact that he would
not have appeared regularly at Stamford Bridge made him
leave.
Lets say that the coach (Jose Mourinho) decided that I would not
play until September 1. If I hadnt left, I would have been part of
the group like everybody and I would had to fight like the previous
years.
I play some matches last year on my second season. The coach knows
me and lets say that I proved a little more than two years ago. So
if I had stayed, I would have played a little less but not enough
to my view, that is the reason why I left."
Diarra previously revealed Claude Makelele was his guide at
Chelsea, but the midfielder thinks he is ready to fly on his own
now.
Everybody needs somebody! he said.
At Arsenal, there is William Gallas, but I think I am stronger
than two years ago so I can do things on my own.
I joined Arsenal because it was my decision. The coach knows what
I can do. For my part, I know what he wants me to do.
