PSGs French ace Diarra hangs up his boots

Former France international Lassana Diarra has said he is “hanging up his boots” after his contract with Paris St Germain was terminated by mutual consent on Thursday.

Diarra, who also played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid, joined the Ligue 1 side on an 18-month deal in January 2018 and played 13 games in all competitions last season as PSG clinched a domestic treble.

The 33-year-old made only three league appearances this season under German boss Thomas Tuchel and said on Instagram it was time to “hang up his boots”.

“For football, I gave a lot. Thanks to football, I received a lot. I did not do everything perfectly but I did it with heart, passion and kindness,” Diarra added.

“Thank you to all those who have encouraged me throughout my sporting career. I turn the page but I forget nothing. I will continue to work with enthusiasm, determination and sincerity in my new projects.”

Diarra, who played 34 times for France, joined Chelsea from Le Havre in 2005 and won the Premier League title with them before moving to London rivals Arsenal two years later.

He lasted only five months with the Gunners, however, and moved to Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup in 2008.

Diarra switched to Real Madrid in 2009, where he won the league and cup, and also had spells in Russia and the United Arab Emirates.