Jules Ahoka has completed his move to Sunderland AFC and is ready to begin his Premier League career. The 20-year-old midfielder joins from Royal Antwerp and says he is thrilled by the opportunity ahead.
"It's an exciting start for me," Ahoka said. "I've always watched the Premier League on TV and I'm thrilled to be here. Now, it's up to me to give everything I can to help the Club go as far as possible."
From Africa to Europe
Ahoka moved to Europe from his native DR Congo and has already gained valuable experience at Royal Antwerp. He said the challenges of that transition helped him develop both on and off the pitch.
"At first it was difficult for me to come from Africa and play in Europe, but I applied myself to the process and overcame those hurdles," he explained. "I worked hard in training and started the season and played well."
Link to fellow countryman
Ahoka will have a familiar face alongside him at Sunderland. Fellow DR Congo player Noah Sadiki is already established within the squad.
"I'm really happy to be here with Noah – he's a good friend and that's really useful," Ahoka said. "We didn't get to play together for the Congo national team, as they had left for the tournament before I was subsequently called up, but I'm really happy to get together now."
Learning from Xhaka
Ahoka is also looking forward to working with Sunderland's midfield captain Granit Xhaka.
"I've still got a lot of learning to do, so I can do that from watching how Granit and Noah play as I learn to adapt," he said.
