West Ham United midfielder Alou Diarra admits he never wanted to leave Marseille.

Diarra signed for the Hammers in the final days of the summer market.

"It was not my choice. This was not my decision. If I wanted, I would have stayed in Marseille. I liked it. I still had two years of contract," said Diarra.

"I was not the only one with a big salary.

"I had a discussion with (coach) Elie Baup, who I respect enormously. He told me that he had wanted to keep me for my experience. We were both honest and sincere ..."