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Cambodia's Messi targets promotion with J3 club

TOKYO - Cambodia forward Chan Vathanaka has targeted promotion with Japanese third division side Fujieda MYFC this year after completing a ground-breaking move to the J-League.

Chan Vathanaka (right), seen here in action for his country against Singapore's Baihakki Khaizan, is the first Cambodian to join the J-League. He has been signed on loan until the end of 2017 from Cambodia's Boeung Ket Angkor, where he scored a prolific 90 goals in 116 appearances. Photo: AFP

Chan Vathanaka (right), seen here in action for his country against Singapore's Baihakki Khaizan, is the first Cambodian to join the J-League. He has been signed on loan until the end of 2017 from Cambodia's Boeung Ket Angkor, where he scored a prolific 90 goals in 116 appearances. Photo: AFP

TOKYO - Cambodia forward Chan Vathanaka has targeted promotion with Japanese third division side Fujieda MYFC this year after completing a ground-breaking move to the J-League.

The 23-year-old, dubbed the 'Cambodian Messi' in his native country, told local media on Wednesday (Feb 15) he hoped to make a smooth adjustment despite the chilly winter temperatures in Japan.

"Japan is a little cold," he said. "There's a lot I don't know yet but I hope to learn a great deal from playing in the J-League and help the team win promotion -- that's my main objective."

Chan Vathanaka, the first Cambodian to join the J-League, has been signed on loan until the end of 2017 from Cambodia's Boeung Ket Angkor, where he scored a prolific 90 goals in 116 appearances.

He has netted 10 times in 28 games for Cambodia since making his senior international debut in 2013.

The J-League, which used to attract big-name footballers such as Brazil great Zico and former England striker Gary Lineker, has slipped down Asia's pecking order for players seeking a lucrative contract in the twilight of their careers.

China's Super League continues to dwarf Japan and South Korea in terms of pulling power with clubs shelling out US$450 million (S$640.2 million) on players such as Brazilians Hulk and Alex Teixeira last year. AFP

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