SMITH SETTLING IN ON THE CROATIAN COAST Michael Adubato - Thursday, September 10, 2009
Former Bolton Wanderers' front man Johann Smith is still looking to get comfortabe as he settles into his new life in Croatia after his summer signing with NK Rijeka in the Prva Liga.
“Life in Croatia is good,” the Connecticut native told Yanks Abroad. “I live in a beautiful city next to the sea, with very friendly people.”
Having played professionally in England and then Canada, Smith finds picking up a new language as one of the main obstacles when moving to a new country.
“The language barrier is a bit of a problem, but it’s always difficult settling down in a country when you can’t speak the language. I have my little translation book and I am studying and learning the language quicker than I thought I would.”
After his time in England, where Bolton loaned the 22-year-old out to three different teams, Smith moved to Toronto FC where he played 14 times for the MLS team before moving to Rijeka, signing a two year contract in July.
“I am learning a different brand of football over here. All the players are very technical and intelligent. That is going to only improve different aspects of my game. (Furthermore) I am being played in a couple new positions, which I like very much.”
As for his new team, Smith is very optimistic about their chances of finishing high up in the standings.
“The team is doing well (although) not in the position we would like to be in but the season is long and we have a good team.”
Smith has picked up an assist so far after a half dozen games into the season, but will hope to pick up his first goal for his new team when Rijeka welcomes second place Karlovac to Kantrida Stadium this weekend.
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