Hull City signing Jay-Jay Okocha admits he didn't join the Championship club for lifestyle.

"To be honest, I have been to better places than here," said Okocha, smiling. "But I'm not here because of the lifestyle, I am here to play football. That is my first target. To be honest, I can live anywhere." Half an hour after his drive through the suburbs of East Yorkshire, one of the most naturally talented players ever to grace the Premier League was put through his final test; a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sheffield Wednesday at the club's training ground. It was a last check that, at 34, there is still life in the old legs.

Phil Brown, the Hull manager, is convinced there is. "It's the beginning of a journey of discovery," he said, beaming. "I see the hunger in his eyes, it has not gone away. There is a sparkle. I saw it when he was on the pitch today."

Okocha believes Hull have every chance of reaching the elite. He said: "We can reach the Premier League. We have everything in place to be a Premier side. Hopefully it will be a matter of when.

"I had options to go to other English clubs. The manager did not have to sell the area - what convinced me was that he is not just here to settle in the Championship. My relationship with Phil was a major factor in me coming here. I am looking at the big picture.

"I am not coming on transit for 10 months. I am thinking of retiring here. I am thinking beyond one year and I want to be part of a team pushing for promotion. I think this club can be bigger than Bolton."