Lassana Diarra joins Paris Saint-Germain

Lassana Diarra born in Paris has joined his home-town club

Former Chelsea and Arsenal defensive midfielder has joined Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain on an 18-month deal.

The 32-year-old was with Abu Dhabian side Al-Jazira where he spent eight month.

Diarra, who has also played for Real Madrid and PSG’s French rivals Marseille, said: “I am very happy to have signed for my home-town club.

Lassana Diarra previously played for PSG’s rivals Marseille

“Paris Saint-Germain represents a lot to me and, with the international dimension the club has taken in recent seasons, it is every player’s dream to play here.

“I intend to do everything I can, bring all my experience and show all my desire to play, to prove that the club has made the right choice in showing its confidence in me.”

The signing of Diarra, who will wear the number 19 shirt, pleased PSG chariman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who said: “We are delighted to welcome Lassana Diarra, a quality footballer, to Paris Saint-Germain.

“His vast experience, both of foreign leagues and the international football with the France national team, gives our coaching staff another option as we enter a very exciting second half of the season.”