What was your impression of Thailand before you arrived? Because before then, you didn’t think of playing here, or representing the national team. So when you first got here, what did you think of the football?
Well when I got here I had two amazing games, my first two games were against Brisbane Roar and then Muangthong. We won both, in front of a full stadium, so for me it was an amazing feeling. In Buriram, it was really only about football. At that time, we were sleeping every day in the camp…it was a great time, but after a while you miss your family and your friends. But if you are a young player, as you see now, Buriram is a top place to develop.
The owner is doing really great at that. He always sacrifices everything for the city and the team. I know some people don’t like how he handles some stuff, but in the end, he wins titles.
Coming from Europe, were you prepared for the expectations the Thai fans would put on you? Did anyone tell you that people would be expecting big things from you?
Not really, honestly. I met (Buriram United Director) Tadthep first, he came to Switzerland and invited me to Thailand. He said that we have a great opportunity, not only on the field but also around it. I didn’t believe him at first, but in 2014 it was as crazy as it could be. My phone was ringing all the time to go here and go there. I had good luck and bad luck at the same time. I think it was the first time after 12 years that we won the AFF Cup. Before then I had never scored many goals but this time I scored four. And in the Asian Games, we played very well and only lost to South Korea in the semi-final.
At that time I was young, I didn’t read the news, and I didn’t care. I just wanted to play football.
How have you changed as a person from when you first arrived in Thailand to play football and now? How has your outlook changed on football and on life in general?
Before, I came and I just wanted to play football and enjoy. I became the superstar, I got injured, I came back, and I was still the superstar. It was annoying. Everyone wanted something from me, after a game I was still there for 30 minutes taking pictures. I was young.
But now, I really appreciate everything and I want to give back. If it takes 30 minutes I’ll stay there and take pictures. Because without the fans, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I have learned a lot.
Back at that time, it was really hard to handle it. Having no privacy anymore. But now, I just enjoy every moment. This is what it is now. I’ll just enjoy playing football and be thankful.