Diarra to stay at Portsmouth

Despite rumours of a Real Madrid move for Lassana Diarra, the Portsmouth midfielder is keen to stay at the club next season. Diarra joined from Arsenal in January and has proved himself to be a valuable asset.

“Most of all, I just want to play,” said Diarra. "I couldn't do that too much at Chelsea and Arsenal. Here, I can play every week with Portsmouth. It is a good team, proved by reaching the FA Cup final, and that is why I'm here.

"I want to win something with Portsmouth and I will be here next season. I am here because of the manager. If he wasn't here, I can't say I would be but he is the reason I joined Portsmouth and I am happy here."