Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa says learning English has helped his game enormously at Newcastle United.
All Newcastle's French players have been taking English lessons in a bid to integrate themselves more into the club, training sessions and Alan Pardew's team talks.
The defender said: "He said when we all arrived that he was going to learn French and speak to us but right now, he is not better at French than I am at English. It is six and two threes.
"Geordie is a bit tough to understand but I am improving from when I first arrived. As long as I ask people with me to make sure they speak slowly, I can understand them. Then I have plenty of time to focus on what they are saying.
"We take English classes and learn in our own time too. Some have quicker comprehension skills. Everyone sorts themselves out their own way whenever they need it.
"When we are training and take planes to away trips, we all speak and help each other out. We try to do that in English, not just with the French players but with the English as well."
