"But Real are very attractive and I believe I have earned respect. Real came and I was their priority, that makes you think. It is an honour."
However, City boss Mark Hughes has denied that any offer from City was ever made.
"We were made aware of what level the deal was at and what it would take to bring the boy to the club," Hughes told Sky Sports News.
"In the end we understood the figures and felt it wasn't right for us. There was never an offer made for Lassana Diarra.
"We were not given permission to speak with him. For him to say that he was offered more money is completely wrong.
"We've been linked with every player that is known to man, so we have to accept that."