Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is delighted for Hatem Ben Arfa over his return to form with Nice.

The former Newcastle United midfielder was outstanding in Nice's victory over Saint-Etienne.

Benzema declared: "Saying Hatem has genius, this is not new. Everyone knows him since he started playing football.

"But this time, he seems peaceful, serene, happy to play football.

"He's not polluted by external events as has unfortunately been the case too often in his career..."