It's a strange feeling, says Teerasil as he returns to Thailand

After joining the Spanish outfit on a year-long loan earlier this month, the 26-year-old, the first Thai player to sign with a La Liga club, returned home along with his new team-mates for a game arranged as part of his move. 

Teerasil, whose has an option to make his move permanent depending on his performances, admitted it feels strange to return as a member of a visiting team at SCG stadium after his time with Muangthong United.

“It feels strange because normally I played for the host team. I would like to know how the atmosphere will be when I come as part of a visiting side. I still need more time to get familiar with my new team-mates,” he said.

Despite making an early impression in Almeria colours by scoring three goals in two friendly matches, Teerasil said he still has room to improve as he tries to claim a place in the first team.

“There’re a lot more things to do to improve myself even though I scored three goals in the club’s first two pre-season matches. It’s just the beginning, as I still need to correct things when it comes to details of my play.

“It’s quite different from playing in Thai football, especially the pace of the game, the tackles and physical strength. They also train hard both in the morning and afternoon each day,” Teerasil said.

Almeria manager Francisco Rodriguez, whose side narrowly escaped relegation last season, also suggested that the Thai forward, widely regarded as the most talented player of his generation, still has work to do if he wants to break into the first team. 

“I’m happy that Teerasil came to us. Everyone is all happy with him for netting three goals. It’s a good start but we cannot say anything much since he’s just been with us. Both Mui [Teerasil’s nickname] and the team still have to improve on many things. We need to work hard,” Rodriguez said through the translator at the airport.