New Carlisle United signing Kevin Osei says French World Cup legend Didier Deschamps taught him how to be a winner.
Osei was coached by Deschamps during his time at Marseille and says the former national captain was a major influence.
The 24-year-old was on Marseilleââ¬â¢s books for 11 years before deciding to try his luck in the English game, this week signing a six-month deal with United after a successful trial.
The speedy forward, who shared a dressing-room with top stars like Gabriel Heinze and Fernando Morientes, said: ââ¬ÅMy first coach was Didier Deschamps and he told me everything about the professional game.
ââ¬ÅHe gave me a lot of advice and a lot of his experience. For a young player to be coached by a guy like him is very good.
ââ¬ÅHe gave me the winning spirit and a lot of things that will help me now in my career.ââ¬
Osei, who has also played in Belgium, is awaiting international clearance ahead of next weekendââ¬â¢s League Two kick-off at Mansfield.
The frontman, who harbours ambitions to play for the Ghana national side, insists he is ready to take the plunge in England.
ââ¬ÅIââ¬â¢m very happy to come here, it was a good opportunity,â⬠he said.
ââ¬ÅWhen I spoke to my agent and Carlisle wanted me to come on trial, I thought yeah, why not â⬓ I really like the English mentality, everybody knows in France and all over the world that in England they love football.
ââ¬ÅWhen the manager [Keith Curle] said to me he liked me, I appreciated that.
ââ¬ÅI also have a friend who used to play in League Two, Reda Johnson, and when I asked him about it he said if you have the opportunity to come, you have to.
ââ¬ÅThe games are even on TV and itââ¬â¢s very good for me to show the people what I can do.â⬠On life at United he added: ââ¬ÅIââ¬â¢m really excited for my new challenge, excited for next week against Mansfield, and we hope to do a great season.
ââ¬ÅThe fitness coaching has been very hard â⬓ we donââ¬â¢t have a lot like that in France â⬓ but now I feel very good and itââ¬â¢s going to help me for the season.
ââ¬ÅEverybody here is friendly, I feel very good here. I hope I will play well and show people what I can do.ââ¬