Diarra makes Real Madrid switch
The Bernabeu Stadium welcomes its fourth summer recruit
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Tuesday, 22, Aug 2006 11:12
Mali international Mahamadou Diarra, a player who Manchester United have tracked, has completed a £17.6 million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
In switching from French champions Lyon to the Santiago Bernabeu, the 25-year-old promised not to forget the club where he made his name.
The combative defensive midfielder was instrumental in Lyon's recent impressive runs in the Champions League and told their official website of his affection for Garard Houllier's side.
"First of all, I will miss the team. Every season we have done great things. but that is the law of football, that is destiny, and my heart will always remain with Olympique Lyonnais," he said.
"I will be Lyon's first fan in Spain and I will watch every match, but playing against them in the Champions League would be too heartbreaking."
Diarra becomes Fabio Capello's fourth capture since he took over the club, following Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson to the Spanish capital.
It seems that there may be departures from amongst the club's attacking personnel as well with AC Milan set to open talks over Brazilian striker Ronaldo.
Real president Ramon Calderon is believed to be exploring the possibility of some sort of exchange deal with Ronaldo's fellow countryman Kaka coming the other way.
"We don't want to get rid of him but we are prepared to negotiate. We don't want money," he said.