Alex Jeannin started his career with home town club Troyes

Mansfield Town defender Alex Jeannin enjoys playing in England because of the passion in this country.

Jeannin told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Football in England is so big. It's like a religion. People here love football. It's not the same in France.

"Even some teams in the second division in France don't get the same big crowds as Mansfield."

Jeannin, 30, who first came over from France in 2001, signed this summer from Oxford United, his sixth English club.

Before joining Mansfield the Frenchman played for clubs as diverse as Darlington, Exeter, Bristol Rovers and Hereford United, as well as spending three months on loan last season at Kidderminster Harriers. And he is not fazed by moving around the country.

It's a good atmosphere and we've had a good start Alex Jeannin

"English players prefer to stay in one area and travel one or two hours," he said. "But I've always lived in the town where I play.

"That's why I'm looking to move in to Mansfield or Nottingham so there's not too much travelling to do."

Jeannin, who has played all of the Stags' first three games, is settling in well.

"We've got a good bunch of lads," he said. "It's a good atmosphere and we've had a good start with two wins and a draw."