In their first match of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Appiah's NorthEast United, led by former Ghana national team assistant coach Gerard Nus, will take on Mumbai City FC today.
Speaking to Goal.com Appiah revealed that leaving England was not an easy decision.
"Coming to India was an option I thought deeply about. It’s not an easy decision to leave England, but the opportunity was a good one and I’m very much looking forward to testing myself at a different level and compete in a different style of game," he said
"It was an experience I knew I wanted so I’m very grateful to be here and look forward to getting underway,"
Appiah would lack the experience of football community in the north-eastern part of India, but acknowledges the importance of upholding safety protocols in the midst of a pandemic.
"I’m sure that if it (ISL) were to be played under the normal conditions, it would add to the experience. However, it’s the safest way to continue the league and ultimately during the pandemic that’s the most important thing. Once the season is finished, I will try and explore (different) parts of India. That way I will be able to add that to my experience overall,"
The former Crystal Palace player is happy to be playing under Gerard Nus, who is the youngest ISL coach this season, in what will be a new-look NorthEast United side. The Spanish coach had previously worked with Appiah during his tenure with the Ghana National Team as part of the technical staff.
"I know the head coach very well having worked together with him with the Ghana national team and so it was very easy to understand his style of play and tactics. The squad is a talented one with a good mixture of youth and experience along with foreign and local players. We're bonding really well and are forming a tight unity,"
"I look forward to playing against all the teams and players. For me it’s part of the whole experience I’m going to take it all in and give my very best on every occasion!" he ended.