Ghanaian player, Frank Acheampong says he is enjoying his time in the Thai League despite Asia not being his first option.
The former King Faisal and Berekum Chelsea player is now on the books of Buriram United FC, who are playing in the AFC Champions League.
And after helping his club win 3-2 against Japanese team Kashiwa Reysol to get their first-ever Champions League group stage campaign off to a winning start, the 18-year-old Acheampong is basking in the experience.
Though Acheampong dreamed of playing in Europe, he sees Thailand as the first part of that journey.
"I wanted to play outside of Africa, but at the time, because of my age I was not allowed to play in Europe, so I decided to start here before taking the next step," said Acheampong.
"I think this is a stepping stone to bigger things," he said, adding that bigger things did not necessarily have to mean Europe: "It could also be a bigger club in Asia, but ultimately I want to end up in Europe."
Acheampong believes that his play has improved since he started in Asia.
"The facilities here are better than those at home, especially those at our club,” he said.
"Whenever [the national team] calls me, I will be ready. I have been watching the games in Ghana, and I think that the players in the national teams are not much better than me. I can't say I am the best player, but by the grace of God I have gone to a different level since I moved here. I have improved, and I think I would be able to contribute to the national team."
He might be enjoying life in Thailand now but Acheampong says that he is not sure how long he will stay in the country.
"It is my philosophy to decide what I am going to do when I arrive somewhere, and I wanted to be here only for one season. I wanted to move after one season, but circumstances beyond my control kept me here and now we are playing Champions League, so that is something very special."