New Nice signing Mathieu Bodmer has expressed his happiness at joining the club earlier this week.

The Frenchman moved to Les Aiglons on Monday after agreeing with former side Paris Saint-Germain to release him.

Despite his position as a midfielder, Bodmer has revealed that he could operate in defence under Claude Puel this season.

"I needed a new challenge and needed to be playing matches again," Bodmer told reporters. "A decision needed to be made and I'm satisfied with this one.

"I'll try to bring my qualities to the party, perform as well as possible and help out the young players. I'm not here to prepare for retirement, I am here for the project.

"I can play as an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder, stopper. After speaking to the coach I think I'm here to be a defender. But it will be up to him to make this choice. I'm available to the team to play in whatever position and want to play as many matches as possible."

Bodmer spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at Saint-Etienne.