Lassana Diarra has declared that he signed for Russian outfit Anzhi so as to play alongside Samuel Eto’o, rather than for the money.
The midfielder is understood to have agreed a four-year contract with the mega-rich Russian side at a value of €5m a season.
However, the €6m signing from Real Madrid says that money is not the motivation.
“This is a new challenge for me. So far I have only been in Russia for a few days, but I’ve had time to train,” Anzhi’s new No 85 told reporters at his presentation today.
“I’ve been very well received here and I thank you. I think that Anzhi can make a push for the Champions League.
“What am I doing here? During my career I have played for some very prestigious European teams and believe me, I’ve won and earned enough money.
“I did not come here for the money. I tell anyone who believes that to come to the games. Analyse each one and then tell me why they think I came to Anzhi.
“Spartak Moscow showed an interest in me this summer, but at that moment I was only focused on Real Madrid. I’m not going to talk about any of the other clubs that were interested in me.
“Anzhi was interested more so than the others, but the most important thing for me is that Samuel Eto’o plays here.
“He’s like a big brother to me. Why can’t we succeed together?”
The midfielder was asked about the issue of racism in Russia.
“Of course there is no place for racisum in football. FIFA and UEFA must take action to fight this disease, but in my career I have not had any specific problems with this.”
