“Cambodian Messi”aims to beat chill in Japan

AFP, TOKYO: Cambodia forward Chan Vathanaka has targeted promotion with Japanese third division side Fujieda MYFC this year after completing a ground-breaking move to the J-League.
The 23-year-old, dubbed the 'Cambodian Messi' in his native country, told local media Wednesday he hoped to make a smooth adjustment despite the chilly winter temperatures in Japan.
“Japan is a little cold," he said. "There's a lot I don't know yet but I hope to learn a great deal from playing in the J-League and help the team win promotion -- that's my main objective.”
Chan Vathanaka, the first Cambodian to join the J-League, has been signed on loan until the end of 2017 from Cambodia's Boeung Ket Angkor, where he scored a prolific 90 goals in 116 appearances. He has netted 10 times in 28 games for Cambodia since making his senior international debut in 2013.
The J-League, which used to attract big-name footballers such as Brazil great Zico and former England striker Gary Lineker, has slipped down Asia's pecking order for players seeking a lucrative contract in the twilight of their careers.
China's Super League continues to dwarf Japan and South Korea in terms of pulling power with clubs shelling out $450 million on players such as Brazilians Hulk and Alex Teixeira last year.

“Cambodian Messi”aims to beat chill in Japan

AFP, TOKYO: Cambodia forward Chan Vathanaka has targeted promotion with Japanese third division side Fujieda MYFC this year after completing a ground-breaking move to the J-League. The 23-year-old, dubbed the Cambodian Messi in his native country, told local media Wednesday he hoped to make a smooth adjustment despite the chilly winter temperatures in Japan. Japan is a little cold, he said. Theres a lot I dont know yet but I hope to learn a great deal from playing in the J-League and help the team win promotion -- thats my main objective. Chan Vathanaka, the first Cambodian to join the J-League, has been signed on loan until the end of 2017 from Cambodias Boeung Ket Angkor, where he scored a prolific 90 goals in 116 appearances. He has netted 10 times in 28 games for Cambodia since making his senior international debut in 2013. The J-League, which used to attract big-name footballers such as Brazil great Zico and former England striker Gary Lineker, has slipped down Asias pecking order for players seeking a lucrative contract in the twilight of their careers. Chinas Super League continues to dwarf Japan and South Korea in terms of pulling power with clubs shelling out $450 million on players such as Brazilians Hulk and Alex Teixeira last year.