Distin: I left City for Pompey because it's a club on the up

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 04:38 EST, 7 April 2008

Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin took the opportunity to hit back at those who suggested he only quit Manchester City for the money on a Bosman free transfer - not for the chance to win some silverware in English football.

"When I made my choice to leave Manchester City everyone said that Portsmouth were not a big club," he added, "but I don't live in the past. I live in the here and now.

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Portsmouth's Sean Davis and Sylvain Distin celebrate after the final whistle during the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley

"It was the best possibility for me. They missed Europe by one goal which is nothing. They had good players and a good foundation. For me, the club would only go one way.

"People say: 'He's just saying that now.' But that's not the case. For me it was the best opportunity. I don't feel I have to prove anything to anyone. Not to the fans. Not to anyone.

"I had a tough time with the fans. Maybe now they might understand me. But I have nothing to prove to anyone. Now we have reached the FA Cup final. We have to win it. No disrespect to the opposition, but now we are in it, we have to win it."