Mali's Mahamadou Diarra would like to play for Real Madrid

Mali midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is determined to leave French champions Lyon to join Spanish side Real Madrid.

In an interview with sports daily L'Equipe on Wednesday, Diarra criticized Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas for making the transfer difficult by demanding too much money.

"In my head, it's clear. I want to join Real (Madrid)," Diarra told L'Equipe.

"Lyon is not listening. I can't take it any more.

Diarra, a standout defensive midfielder for Lyon in last season's Champions League, feels Aulas is blocking a dream move to join coach Fabio Capello's Madrid.

"I told (Aulas) I wanted to go to Real," Diarra said.

"I'm not sure if he realizes what an opportunity this is. I can't stand the idea of denying me this chance, by demanding US$45 million just to sit down at the negotiating table."

Diarra, set to play in a friendly match later Wednesday against Tunisia, added that "if the situation is not resolved by Thursday, I will make it known just what I think."

Spanish reports say Capello considers recruiting Diarra a priority.

Madrid has not had a dominant ball-winning midfielder since Claude Makelele left the club to join Chelsea in 2003 and has not won the league title since.