By Barney Cullum

Olofinjana started 14 league matches for Stoke last season

Nigeria midfielder Seyi Olofinjana says the unique atmosphere in England is behind his decision to join Hull City.

The 29-year-old joined City this week from Stoke after deciding against a move to French league side Monaco.

"When you ask the players around Europe where they want to play they will all say the Premier League," he said.

"I feel very grateful to Phil Brown and Hull for giving me the chance to stay in England and I feel wonderfully excited.

"I do not know the players here very well yet but football is one language and I am sure things will go really well."

Olofinjana made his name in England at Wolverhampton Wanderers before getting his first chance in England's top flight under Tony Pulis last season.

The 29-year-old found himself on the fringes of the first team at Stoke and an ambition to take on more of an influential role has encouraged him to move north.

"It is very important to me to be more than just one of a number in a squad, but to be taking part," Olofinjana told BBC Sport.

Regular football is doubly important this year in order for Olofinjana to hold down his place in Shaibu Amodu's Nigeria team as they attempt to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Olofinjana has taken the captain's armband for the Super Eagles on a few occasions this year and claims he can bring some leadership qualities to Hull as they attempt to maintain their top-flight status once again.

"Leadership is the act of setting an example and I try to show that in everything I do," Olofinjana said.

With his debut likely to come away to Chelsea on the opening day of the new season, Hull's fans will be hoping their new signing can make an immediate impact.

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