Alou Diarra has spoken out for the first time since a thigh injury ruled him out for at least two months.

The 31-year-old French midfielder made his Hammers debut in the 3-0 away loss to Swansea but picked up a serious thigh problem just a couple of weeks later.

Diarra told France Football: “In my mind I am fine, but physically I am not so well.

“I picked up a serious right thigh strain about a fortnight ago. The examinations revealed quite a big hematoma.

“The club doctor stated I will need two months to recover, but I hope it will be a little less.

“You just have to put up with it, get good treatment, and let it heal to avoid relapse. But after starting for a new club it is quite annoying.”

Diarra joined the club for a free transfer from Marseille in the summer and is hoping to make a bigger impact in England than the last time he was here with Liverpool in 2002.

“(During my time at Liverpool) I passed like a mirage. I immediately asked to be loaned to France. I didn’t have time to become immersed with the English culture,” he said.

“I’ve wanted to come back to England for a while. It is not by chance if I made the decision to join West Ham. It is perfect club at which to adapt to England.”





