Alou says goodbye

Last updated : 27 July 2004 By Chris Maxwell
Following year-long spells with Le Havre and Bastia, the 23-year-old former Bayern Munich man will remain in his native country for a season with French top-flight side Lens.

While many players would begin to feel somewhat unwanted when farmed out by successive managers, Diarra still believes he can force his way into Liverpool's star-studded squad in the future.

Diarra said: "I am loaned by Liverpool for the third on-going season - so what?

"Do you see the Liverpool group? They are all internationals or more famous players.

"I had a long talk with Rafa Benitez and he could not guarantee me a first team place. I didn't want to only play ten games a season.

"I am 23-years-old and I have to play. I have a lot of ambitions."