LEAVING the capital for the North-East could be a bit of a culture shock for a young player but given Pierre Ekwah left his homeland when he was just 16, it's no surprise that he's not at all concerned about the switch in surroundings.

"I came from France when I was 16 so to move from a city or a house is not that difficult," said Sunderland's new midfielder after completing his permanent transfer from West Ham to the Black Cats.

"To come up north is different, but it's just a new experience. I'm really excited."

READ MORE: Pierre Ekwah on his 'perfect' Sunderland move and the key role of Aji Alese

Born in Massy, just outside Paris, Ekwah played for RC Arpajonnais, Bretigny FCS and CFF Paris before moving onto the distinguished Clarefontaine academy, famed for producing players such as Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka.

Not a bad back catalogue of talent.

He had a stint with Nantes in his homeland before Chelsea swooped, and it was there when he developed into a midfielder.

"I did play left wing when I was younger, but I grew and didn’t fit in there so they changed me to left-back," said Ekwah in a previous interview with Chelsea's website, explaining how his position has changed over the years.

"I did well when I played in that position but after I moved to Nantes I played centre-back with them, the national team and Chelsea. But I’ve always wanted to play as a midfielder, like I do now. I’m happy to play in midfield now, it’s where I can express myself on the pitch."

The 21-year-old describes himself as a No.8 who "likes to do a bit of everything".

He told Sunderland's club website: "Technically I can handle the ball quite good, I can run around, I can have a good tackle, I'm a bit of an eight who can attack and defend."

The way Ekwah likes to play the game is clear from those who he grew up idolising.

“I like creative players, and players who break things up as well," he previously said in an interview with West Ham's website.

"I’m a ball player as well, so that’s the position I really enjoy playing in.

“I would say, because I’m French, Zinedine Zidane (was my idol)! He was my guy. (I also like) Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Claude Makélélé."

Allowed to leave by Chelsea, Ekwah, who represented France through the youth levels and captained the Under-16s, impressed in a trial with West Ham and earned a three-year deal in the summer of 2021.

READ MORE:

He never made an official first team appearance for the Hammers, but was a substitute in the Europa Conference League and a regular for the Under-21s in the Papa John's Trophy.

He also featured for the first team during a friendly win over Cambridge during the World Cup break. And he's impressed for the Under-21s this season, scoring five games in 11 league outings.

Now, though, Ekwah is ready to try and establish himself as a senior player, and is excited about the opportunity at Sunderland.

He said: "I think Sunderland is a great set-up for young players to come and develop."

He's already met and trained with his new teammates and is available to make his debut at Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday.

He said of his dressing room welcome: "It's fun meeting new people. They're all really nice guys and we're all practically the same age, which helps to settle in.

"I'm really excited. I'm not a man of many words but I can't wait to get started and meet the fans at the ground."