CAMBODIAN new arrival, Chan Vathanaka, seems to have settled down quickly in Pahang — on and off the pitch.
Vathanaka, who turns 24 today, joined the east coast side following an uneventful stint with Japan's J3 league side Fujieda MYFC.
The striker is looking forward to his Super League debut when Pahang host Perak on Feb 4.
Named as Cambodia's best player last year, Vathanaka said it would not be easy for him to adapt to a new place if not for help from his Pahang teammates.
"The coaching staff have been helping me to settle down with the rest of the players.
“My teammates have taught me some simple Bahasa Melayu and I am in the midst of learning more,” he said.
“In fact I feel so at home, like I am living in Cambodia," said Vathanaka, who added that he no problem with the Malay food in Kuantan.
Vathanaka, hardly used during his 10-month at Fujieda before he returned to Cambodian club, Boeung Ket Angkor last month, hopes to put his disastrous spell in Japan behind him as he aims to relaunch his career with Pahang.
"Communication was the biggest issue in Japan and I want to forget it as soon as possible. I am focused in helping Pahang and repaying the trust the team and coach Dollah Salleh have put in me," said Vathanaka.
Vathanaka is among the three Cambodian players featuring in the Super League apart from Keo Sokpheng (PKNP) and Thierry Bin (Terengganu).