Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has admitted that it was tough for him to leave Juventus over the summer.

The Italian international joined the Black Cats in July for a reported fee of around £8.5m.

However, the 28-year-old insists that he is already enjoying life in the Premier League.

"Leaving Juventus was a very difficult decision to make," Giaccherini is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "It was hard because I left many friends, teammates and a coach in Antonio Conte who made a difference to my career.

"I'm happy with the choice I made though even if I had to give up a top club like Juve."

Giaccherini is currently with the Italy squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.