A surreal experience at Atletico: Teerasil
Thai forward Teerasil Dangda said it was a surreal experience to train alongside members of Atletico Madrid's first-team squad as the Muang Thong United player started his two-week trial at the Madrid-based club.
After arriving in Spain along with nine of the Thai club's youth team players, the 24-year-old Teerasil started training with Atletico first team squad on Friday at the club's training ground on the outskirts of the Spanish capital.
The Thai was welcomed by Atletico captain Gabi and some of the Spanish club's executives including sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero upon his arrival for training and then met with other Atletico first-team members in the dressing room.
Teerasil, who has scored 28 goals in 54 appearances for the national team, started the day with a workout with the fitness coach for half an hour before taking part in the light training session with the rest of the Atletico players. He continued training with those who did not play in the King's Cup fixture against Getafe in midweek before ending the day with a soccer tennis drill.
"I feel very good with Atletico players. They all are very friendly with me. The fitness session was a bit tiring but overall it was a great experience to have a chance to learn some tricks of the trade from such big name players," said Teerasil after the training.
The Thai forward, who had an ill-fated brief stint with English club Manchester City five years ago, went on to highlight how much the Spain trip meant to him.
"I'm very proud and very happy," Teerasil told Atletico's website. "It's a great opportunity to be alongside players and stars that you watch every week on television in my country. I hope I will be able to play in Europe one day."
Teerasil's trial with a view to signing a contract with Atletico, currently flying high in second spot in La Liga standings, was arranged as a collaborative deal between the Spanish club and its partner Muang Thong United.
Credit : The Nation
