Hassane Kamara introduced himself to the fans in an interview with Udinese TV after his first week working with his new team-mates.
“I'm happy to be here and to have the chance to get to know a new culture, a new language and a new team,” the 29-year-old began.
Udinese's new full-back arrives in Serie A after 18 months at Watford, which he describes as “the best experience of my career”.
Before then he impressed in France during spells with Reims and Nice.
“What we achieved at Reims was incredible. We got promoted from Ligue 2 with 88 points then finished eighth and sixth in Ligue 1 the following seasons. We were a great team and it really felt like a family.”
Hassane then gained Europa League experience at Nice before switching to England.
“That was a step forward in my career that helped me make the move to the Premier League. There are so many top-quality players there and every match is tough, whether it's Liverpool or Crystal Palace.”
Brought in as a replacement for Destiny Udogie, Kamara has chipped in with a few goals over the years – including one against English giants Manchester City – and he knows where his strengths and weaknesses lie.
“I'm a combative, box-to-box player. I like to push up and get back to defend. I think I need to try and get more assists.
Kamara hopes that playing as a wing-back in Andrea Sottil's system could add an extra dimension to his game.
“I used to be a winger so playing out wide gives me the chance to get into the box more. But I'll think about goals and assists the night before the season starts. Now I'm focused on pre-season, which is really tough. I think the fitness coach is trying to kill us!
Meanwhile the presence of academy players and French speakers at the team's Austria training camp is making integration easier.
“There are lots of young players so it's easier to settle in. Everyone's really welcoming.
“I get on especially well with Axel Guessand, Etienne Camara, Florian Thauvin and Enzo Ebosse,”
revealed Kamara, who was born and grew up in France but plays for Ivory Coast.
He's also been impressed by Andrea Sottil's methods.
“We've made a good start, working on the tactical aspects of defending – I think that's very important and not everyone does it. He wants everyone to think about what they can do to help the team.”
Hassane then admitted that he initially had some concerns about the move.
“I thought I might struggle to adapt in Udine because I knew it was a small city but it's relaxed and very welcoming with excellent restaurants.”
Asked who his toughest opponent was, he replied without hesitation: “Neymar Jr is the best player I've ever played against. He's on a totally different level.
“The team-mate I've got on best with was Ismaila Sarr. Everything worked on auto-pilot when I was playing with him.
“My toughest training adversary at Udinese is Festy [Ebosele]!”
Hassane finished with a few words for Udinese supporters.
“My message for the fans is we'll try to have a great season and hopefully enjoy lots of success together.”