Farewell Lassana - it was great while it lasted
It was a deal which suited both parties.
Lassana Diarra got the first-team football he craved and Pompey - a club looking to escape years of mediocrity - got the services of a genuine world-class talent.
Both knew it was only a temporary arrangement, but everyone was happy with it.
Harry Redknapp knew he has a player to take his team to unprecedented heights and fans licked their lips at the prospect of seeing a special player at Fratton Park.
It's why, with his departure to Real Madrid imminent, there'll be no recriminations, no bitter parting shots.
Admittedly, there were grumblings of discontent when Diarra openly admitted Pompey were a stepping stone to greater things.
But a degree of perspective prevailed and in the end the player was even praised for his honesty.
The absence of badge-kissing antics and declarations of undying love were understood.
The message was clear. Here was a player on his way to the very top.
Diarra was grateful for a stage to display his talents: Pompey were happy to provide the platform.
The club can look back with justifiable pride at the way they boosted the midfielder's ascent.
In truth, though, the benefits were two-way.
With Diarra at the hub of Redknapp's team, Pompey won the FA Cup and qualified for Europe, their best season for half-a-century.
And then there's the small matter of an expected profit of around £16m in just a year - a remarkable turnaround.
It's enough cash, one hopes, to ease the club's financial worries and assist Tony Adams in the transfer market. We'll see how that materialises.
It will be sad to bid farewell to one of the finest footballers to grace Fratton Park.
But I doubt whether sentiment is at the top of Diarra's priorities.
In his defence, he has always given Pompey his all and leaves us with once-in-a-lifetime memories.
With Real Madrid sniffing, we'll forgive him his suspiciously slow recovery from an ankle injury.
The Frenchman is ruthlessly ambitious and he's got his dream.
Pompey have been used - and haven't we loved it.
Labels: Harry Redknapp, Lassana Diarra, Pompey, Real Madrid, Tony Adams
4 Comments:
The finest footballer ever to play at Fratton Park.
Spot on. I'd like to copy your article and paste it over some of the comments pages of the tabs and broads, mainly Ch & Ar fans moaning about the one that got away and knocking him, all the while blind to all the other riches they've had and got at their clubs. Spoilt mugs.
I thought when Delassandro came to FP, he was the most gifted midfielder we had ever seen .... that was until Diarra put in the kind of performances that have been a joy to watch in the fairly short time he has been with us. To be honest he is miles too good for any team outside of the top 4 in the premiership and therefore very few teams in Europe.
I hope he acheives everything he dreams for at Real ...... thank you Lassana - it was a complete pleasure
Yes well said, good article. In my list he is 2nd in terms of talent witnessed for Portsmouth. Do you think Prosinecki is still up for a game?
Post a Comment
<< Home