On this day: Portsmouth new-boy sets ambitious goal ahead of season opener

And he planned to start his mission in the season curtain-raiser against Derby.

The combative midfielder was gunning for glory in his maiden Premier League season after a £7.5m summer arrival from Udinese.

Harry Redknapp finally got his man after a year-long chase for the Ghana international.

Muntari was set to be thrown an immediate debut in Pompey’s midfield at Pride Park as they look to get off to a winning start.

And the 22-year-old was desperate to bring European football to Fratton Park.

He said: ‘Europe is our aim for the season. Portsmouth have never played in Europe and it would be brilliant if I could help them get there.

‘It is going to be hard because there are a lot of great teams and great players to compete with but you have to have an aim.

‘Last season they lost out in the last day and the squad is much stronger now.

‘Sylvain Distin has really impressed me, he is big and strong and our defence looks very good.

‘We also have new strikers and they will be keen to score lots of goals.

‘I have always wanted to play in the Premiership and test myself against the best players in the world.

‘Harry Redknapp has been very patient while trying to sign me and I am grateful to him for giving me this chance.

‘There were other teams interested but Pompey was the only team for me. Now I want to repay them by getting the team into Europe.’