Lyon striker Mariano Diaz admits Karim Benzema had a say in his move from Real Madrid.

Benzema urged OL president Jean Michel Aulas to move for Mariano when he became available over the summer.

The striker confirmed: "If Benzema played a role in my transfer to OL? I know that he put in his two cents in talks with President Aulas, as did (Real fitness coach) Antonio Pintos.

"So I am very happy."

There is talk of Real re-signing Mariano in January after a superb run of form in France. The 24 year-old joined OL for €8m.