While there may be some trepidation at times Queensland Roar midfielder Matt McKay is throwing himself wholeheartedly into his new experiences during his three-month loan spell with Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai.
“The food has been okay,” McKay said.
“The club cook the foreign players another meal at lunch and dinner to help.”
“But I’ve been trying to try something new each meal and it’s been going well and as long as it tastes alright, I don’t need to know what it is!”
What the midfield workhorse does know is that some football culture doesn’t change, no matter where you go.
“At training they have tried to kick me but that happens everywhere,” he said.
“It’s good though because now I understand what it has felt like for foreigners at our club.”
“What it was like for someone like Reinaldo, who came to a club not speaking the language, not knowing anyone and trying to fit in.”
Although fitting in isn’t a problem McKay has had trouble with.
With only a few days in a new country under his belt, the Socceroos midfielder made a 35-minute cameo off the bench in Changchun’s 0-0 away draw against Changsha Ginde on the opening weekend of the Chinese Super League.
McKay said he enjoyed the experience, but admitted there was still plenty to get used to – including wearing No.5 on his back rather than his usual No.15.
“It was weird turning out for a different team, especially since I had only had one training session with them,” he said.
“It was definitely weird not having Massimo (Murdocca) next to me.”
“I am really enjoying myself, it has only been a week but I feel I’m fitting in well.”
McKay has found it easier to assimilate thanks to the presence of a number of other nationals including Nigerian Gabriel Melkam and Honduran Elvis Scott.
“They speak English so I’ve been picking their brains about China and what to expect.”
“I’ve been learning a few of the other boy’s names, and they are starting to stick.”
McKay and Changchun travel to the 60,000 capacity Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on Saturday to take on home side Jiangsu Sainty in Round 2 of the CSL.
