Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole admits he was nervous about his loan move to Lille.

The 29-year-old told France Football magazine about his arrival at his new club and of the warm welcome he received from his new teammates as he become the first England international to grace the French top flight in two decades.

"It was a mixture of excitement and apprehension," he said of his initial feelings.

"English people, in general, are not great travellers, and nor are we great at going somewhere and staying there. We are islanders, which people tend to forget. As soon as I arrived at the Luchin (Lille's training base) and met my teammates, I knew that I had made the right decision. I felt the spirit right away.

"Everyone here seems to understand one another and be friends. It's a relaxing and cheerful place. The working environment is excellent and it is a pleasure to come and work here every day."