Sulley Muntari returned to the Barclays Premier League today and immediately declared - "it's great to be back".

The former Portsmouth man is back in the UK with Sunderland after a trophy-laden hiatus at Internazionale, where he bagged a domestic and European treble last season.

Muntari's spell at the San Siro heralded a boatload of trophies - namely back-to-back Serie A titles, a Champions' League, Coppa Italia, FIFA Club World Cup and two Supercoppa Italianas.

Now the midfielder - also an FA Cup winner with Pompey in 2008 - has penned a loan deal at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season.

Muntari, who spoke to international team-mates John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan before the move, was immediately struck by the atmosphere around the club upon his arrival.

"It feels great to be at Sunderland and to be back in English football," he said. "I'm very happy and from what I've seen here it's going to be great.

"I spoke to the head coach first and also Asamoah and John - they told me everything about the club.

"It is not strange to me. Everything here is amazing. The facilities and atmosphere are excellent.

"I only came a couple of days already but the atmosphere is great. I'm very pleased to be here.

"Last season was good for me, winning some trophies with Inter. We made history but now I'm here with Sunderland and doing well for the club is the uppermost thing in my mind." After sweeping the board with Inter the Ghana international, who starred for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is looking forward to starting a new chapter of his career on Wearside.

Muntari won't play against Chelsea on Tuesday as he will now fly back to Italy to get his paperwork in order before returning to the North East ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke. And he can't wait to get back into the thick of the action in a league he has grown to know and love.

"I love the pace, and passion the fans have across the nation," said the midfielder. "The people are passionate about the game and that makes it exciting.

"You see young kids at the stadiums watching the game. The English game makes me relaxed and happy so I can bring my skills out.

"I will just try to do my best to help Sunderland go further because they are doing well. I hope I can help the club go to Europe."

He continued: "I have already met some of the guys, like Anton [Ferdinand] and [Kieran] Richardson. They are all down to earth and that is why we are doing well this season.

"I think there are not going to be any problems. I think we will do well."