And he hopes that he and his team-mates Djibril Cisse and Steed Malbranque can make their new home from home a success story this season.

The full-back told the Football Echo: "For me, it has been great having Djibril and Steed here.

"You have someone you can talk your own language with and it just quickly makes you feel much more at home and much comfortable.

"The first time I came to England, when I went to Wigan Athletic, there were no French players there and I didn't speak good English.

"It was very difficult for me.

"But now my English has improved and, coming to Sunderland I have French people I can talk to.

"It's just made me feel very settled.

"And I think that if footballers are going to do well, it is important that they feel happy both on and off the pitch.

"I know that the French players here feel very much at home, but I think the squad generally has tried to mix and get on and that's a good thing.

"It is all about doing well on the pitch and when everyone is feeling good, it is easier to give your best. I think you are starting to see that in our performances."