Jermaine Jones joined Blackburn on loan for the rest of the season after a ringing endorsement about the club and the Barclays Premier League from fellow United States international Stuart Holden.
Bolton midfielder Holden urged Jones to seize the moment and leave Schalke at least until the end of the campaign.
"I called Stuart Holden at Bolton and asked him about moving. He said that football in England is the best," the German-born midfielder revealed.
"Stuart told me I needed to take the chance. He said Blackburn is a good club with good players.
"I watched their game against Liverpool on my laptop. Liverpool have a bigger name but Blackburn looked a good team. They deserved to win.
"I know every game in England is fast and physical. Now I have a good chance to show what I can do. The players seem bigger and stronger here. They are very tough guys. Look at Christopher Samba.
"I want to play every game and that didn't happen at Schalke. Now I have a chance to play. I think being in England will suit my game. I am not scared."
Jones becomes the club's second signing of the transfer window after the arrival of Roque Santa Cruz from Manchester City.
Manager Steve Kean said: "He's a fantastic signing for us. Anybody who knows him as a player, he's a natural ball winner, he's a very good passer as well.
"He's got a fantastic engine, he can go box-to-box, he's a genuine all round midfielder player."
Source: PA
