Muntari is an international team-mate of Asamoah Gyan and John Mensah

Sunderland midfielder Sulley Muntari has revealed the physical nature of English football was key to his return to the Premier League.

Muntari left Portsmouth for Inter Milan in July 2008 but was happy to make a loan switch to England in January.

"It's hard, very competitive, there's a strong mentality and a pace to the game," Muntari told BBC Newcastle.

"It's lovely coming back, we have a good team and good guys who want to do well here."

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old is confident he can bring the best out of striker Asamoah Gyan following his arrival at the Stadium of Light.

The duo are Ghana international team-mates, as well as having played together in Italy.

"I've played with him with the national team and also at Udinese.

"I know how he wants the ball behind defenders, which makes it easier for me, he's a good player.

Steve Bruce's squad has been given an African flavour by the arrival of Muntari and Benin international Stephane Sessignon in the January transfer window, added to Gyan, compatriot John Mensah and Egypt international defender Ahmed Elmohamdy.

"We had the same thing at Udinese, and it's lovely seeing them here," Muntari added.

The former Portsmouth midfielder began his career in Europe with Udinese before his £7m switch to the south coast side.

He then joined Inter Milan for a fee in the region of £12.7m in July 2008, where he won the Italian championship twice, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League under former boss Jose Mourinho.

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