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Diarra: I joined Anzhi because of Eto'o, not the money
Sep 11, 2012 1:00:00 AM
The former Real Madrid midfielder made a deadline-day switch to the cash-rich Russian club, but insists his switch was not financially motivated
| Bet: | Returns: | Kuban £16.15 | Draw £38.00 | Anji Makhachkal £57.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Kuban £16.70 | Draw £35.00 | Anji Makhachkal £48.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Kuban £15.71 | Draw £36.00 | Anji Makhachkal £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Kuban £16.20 | Draw £40.00 | Anji Makhachkal £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Kuban £16.10 | Draw £37.50 | Anji Makhachkal £50.00 |
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The 27-year-old left Real Madrid on transfer deadline day to sign a four-year contract with the Dagestan-based side, after falling out of favour at Santiago Bernabeu.
The deal came as a surprise to many, with the likes of AC Milan and Fenerbahce touted as potential suitors for the midfielder, but the allure of acquainting himself with the Cameroon striker swayed his decision.
"Spartak showed an interest in me this summer, but at that time I was only focused on Real Madrid," said Diarra at his official presentation on Monday.
"Overall, I would not talk about the clubs that were interested in me. Anzhi were interested more than the others, but the most important thing for me is that Samuel Eto'o is here.
"He's like a big brother to me. Why can't we succeed together?"
It had also been suggested that Diarra's transfer to Anzhi was motivated by the promise of a larger pay packet, but he poured scorn on such claims.
"It's a new challenge for me. So far I've only been here a few days, but I've had time to train," the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal man continued.
"I've been very well received and I thank you all. I believe Anzhi can push themselves to become champions, so why can't I be?
"During my career I have played for some very prestigious European teams and, trust me, I've won enough titles and been paid enough. I did not come here for the money.
"Those who believe that should come to the games, analyse my performances and then tell me why they think I came to Anzhi."
Russian football has been noted for a series of racist incidents over the past few years, but the Frenchman does not believe that he will be the target of such discrimination.
"Of course, there is no place for racism in football. Fifa and Uefa should take action to fight this disease, but in my career, I have not had any specific problems with this," he added.
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German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.
10:43 PM BST
Here's a snap feature from the brilliant Kris Voakes, who praises Arjen Robben for finally conquering his demons to secure European glory for Bayern Munich.
10:41 PM BST
Philipp Lahm is also relieved that Bayern have finally banished the memory of their heart-breaking - and thoroughly undeserved - loss to Chelsea last season.
"We worked unbelievably hard in last year's final and finally we have been rewarded," the Roten skipper enthused.
"We had to got through so much. But everybody worked so hard in the last months and weeks and now we have finally won it."
"We worked unbelievably hard in last year's final and finally we have been rewarded," the Roten skipper enthused.
"We had to got through so much. But everybody worked so hard in the last months and weeks and now we have finally won it."
10:39 PM BST
Even better stuff from Manuel Neuer, who arguably kept his side in the game during the opening 25 minutes, who admitted to Sky Sport Germany:
"I have to admit: after it went 1-1, I was scared as s**t! You remember how it went last year. The feeling when we scored was undescribable."
"I have to admit: after it went 1-1, I was scared as s**t! You remember how it went last year. The feeling when we scored was undescribable."
10:22 PM BST
Terrific stuff from Bayern attacking midfielder Thomas Muller, the kind of socks-around-the-ankles player that I think any true football fan inherently adores.
"It is hard to describe," he told ZDF. "I am completely done, I have cramps left and right. But I did not go off the pitch and it paid off. Physically I am over the limit now.
"When you are 68 years old and you have a record season and then you win the Champions League and have the chance for the triple, you can be happy you are 68 and not 25. Because then you can retire."
"It is hard to describe," he told ZDF. "I am completely done, I have cramps left and right. But I did not go off the pitch and it paid off. Physically I am over the limit now.
"When you are 68 years old and you have a record season and then you win the Champions League and have the chance for the triple, you can be happy you are 68 and not 25. Because then you can retire."
10:17 PM BST
An word from Goal Germany correspondent Tim Rohn on a night of redemption for Bayern Munich:
"One year after that bitter loss to Chelsea the Bayern are now the ones dancing on the pitch. BVB gets a farewell with much applause and a scraf parade. No matter that Bayern won: For every german football fan in London this will be a very long night."
"One year after that bitter loss to Chelsea the Bayern are now the ones dancing on the pitch. BVB gets a farewell with much applause and a scraf parade. No matter that Bayern won: For every german football fan in London this will be a very long night."
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