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.