The ambitious 23-year-old is desperate to beat Cardiff in the FA Cup final and play European football for Pompey next season.

He admitted he's revelled at playing regular football on the south coast, but revealed that was not the only reason he decided to leave the Emirates.

He said: 'I wanted more consideration. It's not just about playing very week.

'When you are in the team – and even when you are playing well – the manager doesn't put you on the pitch (the next game). So you have to do something.

'Now I don't think about Arsene Wenger. I think about Portsmouth.

'It was an easy decision (to leave) and when I spoke to the manager it was easier.'

After signing for Pompey, Diarra admitted he saw the move as a stepping stone to greater things.

It drew stinging criticism from some quarters, but ahead of Saturday's Cup final, the Frenchman was quick to praise his new club.

He said: 'Portsmouth is a good club. We have qualified for the final!

'I hope we win on Saturday and next year are in Europe – I will be very happy.

'Chelsea and Arsenal know why I left but this is football. You never know what can happen.

'When you want to play, you want to play. When you are on the bench it's not the same as being on the pitch.

'That's why I wanted to play.

'I don't know if Arsenal regret letting me go and I don't care.

'I am with Portsmouth and I'm just thinking of them.'