Joe Cole has revealed how the city of Liverpool is already starting to feel like home - even though it's less than three weeks since he moved north.
The Londoner had spent his entire career in the capital prior to moving to Anfield on a four-year deal last month.
Cole acknowledges it would have been easy to remain in London, but insists he was determined to test himself by trying to help Roy Hodgson's Anfield era get off to a successful start.
"A lot has been made of me signing for Liverpool and leaving London for the first time," he told LFC Weekly. "I've been very lucky to spend my career in my home city close to all my family and friends.
"In some ways, it has made everything that bit more comfortable and easier for me. I could have stayed in London until I retired but I needed to test myself.
"That in itself is a big challenge for me. It took me a long time to prove to people that I was a hard worker as well as someone who can be skilful or provide a pass.
"I want everybody at Liverpool to see that I will graft for the team and give everything that is physically possible to make the club successful again."
Cole's arrival at Anfield has been greeted by a jubilant reaction from supporters, who treated the England star to a standing ovation after his home debut against FK Rabotnicki on Thursday.
He added: "The reception has blown me away. The people up here have been so welcoming to me and my family. Scousers will do anything for you.
"Liverpool feels like home already, even though I've only been here for five minutes. Wherever I walk, people just want to say hello and wish me well.
"You get that sometimes in London, but because it is a much bigger city, you can sometimes get lost. That has its advantages sometimes - when things aren't going well for the team - because you can escape.
"Every side in London has a distinct identity, but Liverpool is like a separate country to the rest of England. I don't think there is a club in the whole world where there's a connection with a city like Liverpool and the people."
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/cole-i-feel-at-home-here
