Teerasil's move to Spanish top-tier club becomes reality
Spanish club Almeria believe Muangthong United striker Teerasil Dangda is good enough to play in Spain when he joins the club on a year-long loan in July.
After being linked with an overseas move for months, the 26-year-old Teerasil eventually saw the dream of plying his trade abroad come true when Muangthong announced earlier this month that they had reached an agreement with the La Liga side for a loan move with a view of making the signing permanent.
An Almeria delegation, led by vice president Pepe Bonillo, flew in to confirm the deal at a press conference held at Muangthong’s stadium yesterday. He told the Thai press that Teerasil’s signing was of great significance not only for Thai football but also for the club itself.
“I hope Teerasil’s move would be the first step for both clubs to take to greater things in future. Hopefully, it would help bring us much closer and we’ll walk together.
“I believe Teerasil would succeed in Spain. It’s very important signing for us and we really hope he would play well for us. The move would help Asian football become better known in Europe,” Bonillo, who spoke through a translator, told a packed conference.
Teerasil, who rejoined the Thai club in 2009 after an ill-fated stint at English Premier League side Manchester City, was hoping his move to Spain would benefit Thai football one way or the other.
“I’m thankful to those who have always supported me. The support inspired me and drove me to do my best.
I hope my move would stir up interest in Thai football and have a beneficial impact on the country’s football,” said Teerasil, the club’s all-time leading scorer with 91 goals.
Looking ahead, Teerasil believes he would not have a problem in adapting to life in Spain.
“On the pitch, there should not be any problem for me. But, outside the stadium, it’s another matter. Language is important. If I could learn Spanish and with the help of other Thais there, I think it would help adapt to the new surroundings better,” said Teerasil, who helped the Thai side win the SEA Games title in 2007.
