Alou Diarra has taken a swipe at West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce for the way that he was treated during his unsuccessful two-year spell at Upton Park.

With 12 months remaining on his contract, Diarra was released by the Hammers last summer after a trying stint in East London, starting just two Premier League games.

The 33-year-old was snapped up by Charlton Athletic in January on a short-term deal, before earning a one-year extension, but the French midfielder admits that he is still irked by his failure at West Ham.

"My first experience in England was frustrating because I didn't play many games at West Ham," he told Charlton's matchday programme. "I did well in training but it just wasn't football. They played a lot of long balls but for me that is too easy. I've always played hard stuff. I like to get into position with pressure.

"If you are not first choice with the manager you have to wait for injuries or suspensions to get your chance and even then I didn't get it. But that's in the past for me now.

"I didn't learn anything during my two years at West Ham. I've learned more in the last month at Charlton because we try to play football. We try to keep possession and win every game and for me that is football. It's about ambition. I'm a competitive guy and I need to win every game, not only some games."

Diarra has started the Addicks' last three Championship outings.