Former Olympique Marseille midfielder Lorik Cana is delighted with his move to Sunderland.
The Albania international has revealed he turned down interest from Everton, as well as German sides Hamburg and Werder Bremen, to move to the north-east from Marseille.
He said: "I had interest from Germany and we were talking, but then I had contacts with clubs in England and I knew this was the best championship in the world.
"Everton know me very well. I have had interest from them in other years and might have come to England.
"We were talking, but Sunderland came in and I had a good feeling when I spoke to Steve Bruce.
"Sunderland wanted to make things happen quickly and that made me feel wanted by the club very much.
"I can see from the facilities and support that Sunderland has that there are great possibilities here so I look forward to the challenge."