Diarra: Harry will play me

Lassana Diarra has confessed that one of the main reasons behind his deciding to join Portsmouth was the temptation of first-team football. The player has left Arsenal and Chelsea as they both didn't offer him enough playing time.

"My choice will shock and surprise people. Portsmouth is not Arsenal or Chelsea. But I know what the big clubs are," he said.

"I know the trainer of Portsmouth and I know that he will play me. Everything has been very clear.

I need to play. I am fed up of pleasing people. I am 22-years-old and the most important thing to me is football, my job, my passion.

"Portsmouth is a respectable club, which has achieved a very good start to the season.

xx1626478xl "I have absolutely nothing against Arsene Wenger. Arsenal is achieving a great start to the season, so Arsene is right. I just hoped to make a name for myself.

"Some people say I made a mistake by joining Portsmouth considering Les Bleus. I don't think so. I thought a lot. I will play more often."