Diakité goes over to Olympiacos

Greece's UEFA Champions League entrants Olympiacos FC have taken Drissa Diakité on a free transfer from OGC Nice.

The 27-year-old Mali defensive midfielder has signed for the Greek title holders on a 12-month contract with the option of a further season. His arrival follows those of midfielders Paulo Machado and Leandro Greco, defenders Pablo Contreras, Dimitrios Siovas, Vassilis Karagounis and Kostas Manolas, winger Panagiotis Vlachodimos and goalkeeper Andreas Gianniotis in the summer transfer window.

"I'm delighted to be in Greece and to sign for a big club like Olympiacos," said Diakité, who had spells at Malian club Djoliba AC and Algeria's MC Alger before joining Nice in 2006. "The fact they compete in the UEFA Champions League weighed heavily in my decision, because it's a player's dream to participate in such a major competition. I have a lot to give to Olympiacos and Olympiacos will offer much to me," continued the veteran of 159 French league appearances for Nice.

Olympiacos begin their UEFA Champions League Group B campaign at home to FC Schalke 04 on 18 September, with fixtures against Arsenal FC and Montpellier Hérault SC to follow.