French Midfielder Alou Diarra Says Liverpool Move Came Too Early in His Career

Premier League clubs often end up regretting some of their transfer business, and Liverpool are no different. Making the grade at Anfield is a daunting prospect for any young player, especially when that player has just arrived from overseas with zero experience and knowledge of the English game. 

One such player was Alou Diarra. The veteran midfielder, who is seeing out the final days of his career with Nancy in his native France, was signed by Gerard Houllier once upon a time. 

Diarra signed for the Reds in 2002 on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, but never turned out in a competitive game.

Speaking to French radio station RMC, Diarra, now 35, revealed he regrets joining Liverpool when he did, saying he was not ready for the challenge at such a young age.

“My first experience in England, with Liverpool, it was far too early and I didn’t have enough experience to go abroad," he said. 

Diarra proceeded to forge a solid career after leaving Anfield in 2005. He established himself at Bordeaux over the course of four years, winning a league and cup double with them in 2009. Diarra then moved to rivals Marseille, but his stint at the Velodrome only lasted a single season, before he returned to England with West Ham. 

Once again, he failed to make a great impact but did make 44 appearances for Charlton Athletic during the 2015/16 season. Diarra also managed 44 caps for France during his international career.