After playing his first match for Real Madrid, Lassana Diarra has said that he is surprised by the winning mentality at the club, and that he was pleased with his debut.
The first game of the New Year for Real Madrid and all eyes were on the two debutants, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Lassana Diarra.
The pair have been bought in from Ajax and Portsmouth respectively, and, whilst the Dutchman has spoken a lot about his time in the Spanish capital, Diarra has been rather quiet, except for today.
The former Arsenal man spoke to Radio Montecarlo about all things Real Madrid, and first and foremost, about the attitude in the camp.
"What surprises me most is the great mentality of the team, everyone wants to win," he mused.
"It reminds of the time at Chelsea when José Mourinho was in charge, the victory is all that matters, and everyone is going the same way, from the officials to the players. Even a player like Raúl, who has practically won it all, is still hungry.
"It was an honour that Real Madrid we interested in me and I could not pass up a chance like this. Now I have to play to my best to repay the confidence in me "
Indeed, many have hailed Diarra as the 'next Makelele' at Real Madrid, with the position a problem area for the side ever since the departure of the Frenchman. 'Lass' played down any comparison today though, and added that whilst it is an honour, he is, who he is.
"I have never said I want to be compared with Makelele. It is an honour to be compared with a player of that level though, because I still have a long way to go before I reach it, but I would like people to see me as Lassana, and no-one else " he declared.
Certainly Diarra did impress in his debut against Villarreal, which resulted in a 1-0 win for Real Madrid, and whilst he wasn't spectacular, he was solid. Speaking today he sounded pleased with his debut too, and recognised that the confidence placed him by the coach was important.
"It was a good debut, above all because we obtained the victory. I intended to play a good match because since I arrived, everyone has shown faith in me. In spite of the fact I have gone some time without playing due to an ankle injury, I am pleased " he began.
"Best of all was the confidence shown in me by the coach though. From the middle of November I have only had a week of complete training and nevertheless, Juande [ Ramos] told me immediately that he wanted me, that he needed me, and that I would play at least an hour "
Following his debut, Diarra also took some time out to speak about the chaos surrounding his Champions League inclusion, with only him or Huntelaar allowed to be registered. The Frenchman does not seem too phased by the incident though, saying he will try his best to be selected, but that he hasn't just signed for half a season.
"It is the club who has to decide who will play, Huntelaar or me. I will take whatever decision they make, and that will be in a few weeks. I have signed for five years though, not six months. I have many desires to play in the Champions League, and I will do everything possible to be there against Liverpool " he said.
The Frenchman was also questioned about his career in general today, which has already seen him play for five clubs, and most for not a long spell of time. He denied that he is a mercenary though, and said people who criticise him simply spur him on.
"I laugh to myself when they call me a mercenary " he admitted.
"I never played in the French First Division and still I managed to go to England. I played enough games with Chelsea, including some quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League, and I won a cup with Portsmouth. Those who criticise forget that quickly.
"Now Madrid have signed me, instead of criticising, they should be happy, and to recognise that, in spite of everything, I have some quality. It doesn't matter to me though, criticisms make me stronger."