Paris Saint-Germain has announced the surprise arrival of former Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.
The 32-year-old was a free agent after being released by Abu Dhabi outfit Al Jazira at Christmas but has now penned an 18-month deal until June 2019.
PSG was reportedly only interested in handing the former France international a deal until the end of the season but Diarra has successfully landed an extended contract.
There were concerns about Diarra’s knee prior to the move but the midfielder came through a rigorous medical examination unscathed.
Unai Emery wanted to sign another defensive midfielder to share responsibilities with Thiago Motta and has now at least got a short-term option at the club.
“I am very happy to have signed for my home-town club,” Diarra told the club’s official website.
“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 am lucky enough to make this dream come true, to know what it feels like to play at the Parc des Princes wearing the Rouge et Blue. 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.”
