Diarra: honest or a big head?

Most players’ idea of making a statement of intent is a crunching 50/50 tackle in front of the home fans, followed by a clenched fist in the direction of the directors’ box. But not Lassana Diarra. Portsmouth’s new signing made his intentions clear when he became the first person in footballing history to use his first press conference at a new club to put in a transfer request.
Rather than the usual bland statements of 100 per cent commitment – “I’ve always supported Portsmouth since I was a kid growing up in Paris listening to the Pompey Chimes and it’s a dream come true to join [check notes] such a mid-sized club with limited ambitions. I'd be made up if we could finish in the top half and put together a half-decent cup run.” – Diarra decided to tell it like it is.
“The people at Portsmouth know I will not spend my life at this club,” he said. “If I shine, if a really big club wants me, I know already that everything will go well. My choice could shock and surprise people, I am conscious of that. It isn’t Arsenal, it isn’t Chelsea.”
For a player who has mustered only 13 Premier League starts in two years and couldn’t dislodge Mathieu Flamini from the Arsenal team, it’s as deluded as it is inappropriate.
But considering that nothing he said came as a surprise – it was just the fact that he said it that shocked – he was guilty of little more than telling the truth. But if your partner asks whether they’ve put on weight, you don’t actually answer the question. Or do you?
Was Lassana Diarra just being honest? Or was he acting like a prima donna?

Comments

[Pierre]

At least the fans no where they stand. His honesty should be rewarded. Especially when so many footballers go to clubs and just pick up their weekly cheques.

[David]

He should look at Thierry Henry... A man with class.

[Steve]

Honest or an idiot? Obviously both, but you have to admit (as long as your not a Pompey fan) it was funny.

Can't wait for the manager who comes in and says "Who cares if succeed or fail? The compensation is brilliant!"

[Jay]

Diarra is a player with great potential, but has a thing or two too learn about patients and loyalty. In less than two seasons he's blown his chances at Chelsea and Arsenal, all to be in the French squad. Lets hope he gets into the squad and actually plays.

[Dan]

I think it's appalling to hear what he has to say on his first ever press conference for pompey!
Really sad how young rich and spoiled football players behave.

EGO EGO EGO!!!

really hope he wont make it in the first team...

[Jeff]

I think, yes its honest but by being at two so called, big clubs he lacks the atitude to really survive in the top flight. Competition is part of life and he seemed to not show the stamina or faith in himself required. I would not sign him at all if I was involved in a big club unless his atitude changes. He is too niave and needs to mature.

[Jay]

I think Diarra is looking for a situation where he is the "big fish" in a little pond. But the pond can't be that little. He needs to find a team where he can play...thing is, his position is filled by quality at every decent team. Maybe Newcaslte???

[Chris Caruana]

I've seen everyone of Diarra's performances for Arsenal this season and they've been nothing short of superb. Every time he has played he has given 100 per cent commitment, won his tackles and been a strong character. He certainly has that Mourinho never-say-die attitude.

I am personally disappointed he has left, as Flamini is yet to sign a new deal and Gilberto's form has been nothing short of awful this season. Diarra could easily have been first team by the start of next season.

Fair play to Arsene on tripling our money on a player who only played 13 games for the club, but I think he should have fought harder to keep hold of Diarra, as regardless of his disgusting attitude there is a very good player in there.

[dylan]

he's just being honest and speaking the minds of the other 19 teams and supporter's in the league...and it makes a refreshing change!

[Mizz TruEBluE]

If he waited just a little bit at Chelsea, he would become Chelsea's starting line up, because there are not many right-backs at Chelsea. At that time I thought he would be great someday.
...but he wasn't patient enough! Did he think that Arsenal could make him better? He cut his future by himself.
He's stupid, I think

[Angela]

What is he thinking? He's not good enough to play for Chelsea and he thinks he will go on and make it at Real Madrid or Braca or something!