Football: France’s Lassana Diarra to play in the UAE – Sport

France international Lassana Diarra, who quit Marseille in February, has signed for Al Jazira in the UAE.

“I’m joining Al Jazira, champions of the UAE,” the 32-year-old told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper.

“I’ll prepare in the United States before doing a pre-season with the squad from June.”

Diarra, capped 34 times by France, has also played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Portsmouth and Real Madrid, as well as Anzhi Makhachkala and Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian league.

The Paris-born midfielder insisted he remained available for France, citing the example of Andre-Pierre Gignac, who has been picked despite playing in Mexico.

“I’m joining a championship that is little seen, but if the [French] coach calls me up, I’ll come and give a hand with pleasure.”