PSG signs free agent Lassana Diarra

Paris Saint-Germain announced Tuesday the club has signed free-agent and Paris-born midfielder Lassana Diarra to a contract that runs until June 30, 2019.

The 32-year-old joins PSG having last played in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira Club in 2017. He brings with him plenty of top-flight experience at the likes of Marseille, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea, and has amassed 34 caps for the France national team since 2007.

"I am very happy to have signed for my hometown club," Diarra told the club's official website. "Paris Saint-Germain represents a lot to me and, with the international dimension the club has taken in recent seasons, it is every player's dream to play here. I am lucky enough to make this dream come true, to know what it feels like to play at the Parc des Princes wearing the Rouge et Bleu."

Diarra provides PSG with another option in midfield for Unai Emery and will work to help alleviate some of the responsibilities that have fallen on 35-year-old Thiago Motta since the club sold Blaise Matuidi to Juventus.

Following a tumultuous end to his stint at Lokomotiv Moscow, Diarra endured something of an exile from football before returning to France with Marseille in 2015. He went on to enjoy a personal renaissance, figuring his way back into the France national team fold and nearly competing at Euro 2016 before an ill-timed knee problem ruled him out.

He was named captain at Marseille and seemed set for success once again, but was stripped of his captaincy by new manager Rudi Garcia before he left the club in February 2017 to join Al Jazira.

Diarra returns home to his native Paris with an eye on another rejuvenation.

"I intend to do everything I can, bring all my experience and show all my desire to play, to prove that the club has made the right choice in showing its confidence in me," Diarra said.