French defender Sylvain Distin has confirmed that he would not quit playing in England with Portsmouth for a move back to his homeland.

The 30-year-old former Manchester City and Newcastle star is hopeful of helping Pompey to eventually challenge the top-four clubs in the Premier League following a successful first season at Fratton Park. And, despite being a Paris Saint Germain supporter, Distin says he has no intentions of leaving England for a move back to France.

"For the moment, I'm living something superb for seven years, it's all about pleasure," Distin said. "All the best players want to play in England.

"As a defender, I mark the best attackers in the world every weekend so returning to France would be difficult. No, I'm not thinking of it.

"The stadiums are full even when you play a friendly against a Fourth Division side. If I have to return to France, I want to fight for a European spot every season, but with which team apart from Lyon?

"I still support PSG and I am going to watch them in Coupe de France on TV right now. Who would win if we played them? We never know, everything is possible during one match, but we have a competitive squad.

"There is not the same stability as in England in France so nothing is guaranteed. Here I play with Sol Campbell, David James and Kanu: I collected their images as a kid so it's wonderful to play with them!"