Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says his French contingent have settled quickly thanks to the welcoming Geordie culture.
Pardew is convinced the success of the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Gabriel Obertan and Hatem Ben Arfa is due to the warm welcome they have had on Tyneside.
The Magpies boss said: "I've been pleased with how they've integrated.
"I had concerns because when you're bringing in foreign players, there's time for settling in.
"But I believe the North East is much easier to settle into. It's a warm place, even for myself - and I know I wasn't particularly loved when I came here.
"I can think of players at London clubs - it's much more difficult there.
"People are colder and harsher. The environment is tougher for them."