Brighton & Hove Albion defender Leon Balogun enjoyed his first experience of English football following his debut in the 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic last night.
The Nigerian played for just over an hour against the Addicks, and is looking forward to experiencing the more frenetic pace of English football.
He said, “I’m an aggressive player with the typical German discipline, but what I am trying to do now is fit in, because there are some differences.
“I like the physical aspects of the game, and I am also looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere here, which I got a sense of in the game on Tuesday.
“I enjoyed it a lot, and I wanted to soak it up. Now I want to give my all and just try to improve.”
Balogun has settled in quickly to life at the club both on and off the pitch, and already feels at home in the city of Brighton & Hove.
“I posted something on Instagram and I had a very warm welcome, I think we have a nice group with a great team spirit.
“I took some time to walk through the Laines at the weekend which I enjoyed a lot.
“It’s very multicultural with a lot of creative people; I like the scene in Brighton and I think this could be a wonderful time for me over here.”
The centre-back represented Nigeria at this year’s FIFA World Cup and reflected on a memorable albeit frustrating experience after the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout stages.
“It’s an experience that will bring you forward as a player. I am 30 years old, but to play Lionel Messi, who is the best in the world in my opinion, was a great test for me.
“We also played Croatia, who went to the final and they were a very experienced side.
“It was a great challenge and we were hoping to get further into the knockout stages, but it wasn’t to be.”