Top > Sport > 2006 > August > 2006-08-24

Diarra Completes Move to Real

Mahamadou Diarra, the Olympique Lyon player, has finished his move to Real Madrid as a part of 26 million-euros deal. The player underwent a physical and all major issues were settled. The presentation of the 25-year-old player was delayed due to a minor technicality ? Real and Lyon cannot agree on which on of them is going to pay the 1.3 million compensation fee for Diarra`s former clubs.

"It was a difficult signing, but Fabio Capello had expressly asked for the player. We needed him to strengthen our midfield and Capello considered him vital in order to consolidate this new project. He is an intelligent footballer who knows how to defend and also how to attack - a complete player," said Real president Ramon Calderon.

Real Madrid has gone through extensive changes, and signed World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, as well as Brazil`s midfielder Emerson and Dutch striker Ruud van Nisterlrooy. Real has a very impressive lineup for the upcoming season and is expected to go a long way in the Champions League.