Olympiakos Piraeus has strengthened its squad before the start of the Champions League with the addition of Mali midfielder Drissa Diakite.

The 27-year-old midfielder has joined the Greek champion from French side Nice for an undisclosed fee, signing a one-year contract with the option to extend for a further season, the club said.

Olympiakos was able to make the signing even though the European transfer window officially closed on August 31 as the deadline for Greek clubs is September 14.

"I am very happy to be in Greece and join Olympiakos which is certainly a very big club,» Diakite told the club website.

"The opportunity to play in the Champions League certainly played an important role since it is the dream for every soccer player to play in that competition and so I did not hesitate to make the decision."

Diakite made more than 150 appearances for Nice after joining the club in 2006.

The Mali international was immediately added to the Olympiakos squad list sent to UEFA on Tuesday. The club faces Arsenal, Montpellier and Schalke in Group B of the Champions League.

(Reuters)