Portsmouth's Diarra Happy After Leaving Arsenal

Portsmouth’s new signing, Lassana Diarra is excited about playing for Harry Redknapp's side and promised he can do better than his impressive debut performance against Derby County last weekend.

The 22-year-old France midfielder joined Pompey last week from Arsenal after failing to earn regular appearances for Arsene Wenger's side.

"It was a very good game and we played well, even though we had four players missing (at the Africa Cup of Nations)," he told the club's official website.

"We started a bit slowly but fought back well after they scored.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. I know a lot of the players here and that's one of the main reasons why I signed.

"I enjoyed the game but I can do better. I hadn't played for a month and I only trained with my new team-mates for the first time on Friday.

"I need to get into a rhythm. It will also be better for my mind to think I can play every week. That's a good feeling.

"It was good to hear the fans sing my name, too."