Mendy targets France return

New Tigers signing plots international comeback

Last updated: 15th July 2008

Mendy targets France return

Mendy: Aiming to prove himself at Hull

I am signing at Hull because it is Hull's first time in the Premier League. It is a good challenge for me, for the city, for the coach.

Bernard Mendy
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Bernard Mendy hopes his move to Hull City can revive his international career.

The French defender joined the Tigers on a free transfer last week after being released by Paris St Germain.

Mendy has not featured for France since winning the last of his three caps two years ago but hopes to force his way back in as Raymond Domenech rebuilds following a disappointing Euro 2008.

He sees the Premier League as the ideal stage to showcase his talents and joins Hull as they prepare for their first season of top-flight football.

Mendy said: "I am signing at Hull because it is Hull's first time in the Premier League. It is a good challenge for me, for the city, for the coach.

"Every guy in the French (team) who talked to me, they said if you can play in Hull, go to Hull. So, I signed for three years.

"The Premier League is very hard, very strong. For me it is good, for me it is the best in the world.

"La Liga is nice, but the Premier League is good because it is hard and quick. I like that."

Mendy has previous Premier League experience from a loan spell at Bolton in 2002-03, when he also worked with current Hull manager Phil Brown, then assistant boss to Sam Allardyce.

Dynamic

Brown was keen to link up with the player again and hopes Hull benefit from his international ambitions.

"I was always impressed with his attitude towards hard work," Brown said.

"He had dynamic pace when he was at Bolton and I don't expect that to have gone, having watched him a couple of times last year, but it was his attitude that was something I couldn't afford to miss out on.

"Bernard has got international aspirations and the only way to realise them is to impress me on a regular basis so he plays regularly in the Premier League."

Mendy watched on Monday as his new team-mates strolled to a 4-0 win in their opening pre-season friendly at North Ferriby United.

Dean Marney, Will Atkinson, Michael Turner and Nick Barmby hit the goals with another new recruit, Brazilian Geovanni, playing the first half.

Further additions to the squad are expected in the coming days with a deal thought to be worth £1million for Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng set to be completed on Tuesday.

The club are also in advanced negotiations to sign Plymouth's Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi, who was at the North Ferriby game.

Comments (2)

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Danny Cartwright (Hull City fan) says...

it is brilliant that Hull are buying new and proven talent and not relying on a squad with no depth i cant wait for the new season to start. UP THE TIGERS!!!!! come-on.

Posted 10:29 15th July 2008

Mohammad Ibrar (Middlesbrough fan) says...

Bernard Mendy a good signing for Hull City FC will do really well should get back in the France team.

Posted 08:19 15th July 2008
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