Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has vowed to improve his disciplinary record in the Premiership.

He joined Portsmouth from Italy's Udinese in May but has come in for criticism for his disciplinary record.

Muntari was sent off three times and received twelve yellow cards in the Italian Serie A last season.

He said: "I guess sometimes I go in hard, rough and late. But in relation to what I experienced last year I don't want to do it again."

Muntari added: "I just want to behave like a serious professional and help the team.

"I cannot be sitting in the stands every week because of suspension so I will just do my home work well, play well and fair without getting cards and suspensions."

Muntari is counting on Portsmouth's large African contingent to help him adapt to the English game.

"I met the African players at Portsmouth when we played Kanu Nwankwo's charity in May and they are nice people," Muntari said.

"They talked to me well and made me feel at home.

"So I am just looking forward to meeting them again, to go to camp with them, to play together and to do well for the team."

Despite his delight at clinching the move to the Premiership, Muntari admits he will miss Italy.

He said: "It's a great country with great people and great food. It's just like Africa and I really love Italy.

"I grew up there, I was 17 when I went there so I will miss the country.

"But its part of my work so I have to just put it behind me and just get on with the work in another country."

Credit: BBC