KLEBER CHALA has been scouring the shops for books and tapes to teach him how to speak Scottish and so fit in with his new club!
The Ecuador international admitted that he has found life tough, but joked: "The bad points were having to learn English very fast, and even Scottish!
"The manager (Gordon Strachan) told the press that he would play me only when I learned perfect English, so I had to get all the books and tapes, and learn my lessons day, night, even in the bathroom. But I couldn't find any tapes for Scottish, just for English!"
Midfielder Chala, signed for £500,000 from Quito club El Nacional, as part of the deal which brought his cousin Agustin Delgado to St Mary's, confirmed that he would be returning to the south coast this summer.
He said: "I have already bought my ticket to return to England on July 7 for pre-season training. I will be the first on the pitch in practice and the last to leave as I have always been for 15 years of professional football.
"I hope I can impress Gordon Strachan so that he decides to give me an opportunity."
Chala is currently with the Ecuador squad in Japan preparing for the World Cup, opening their Group G campaign against mighty Italy in Sapporo on Monday, June 3.
Since signing for Southampton, he made the substitutes' bench just once - at Derby when he didn't get a run-out, and was resigned to reserve team appearances.
In March, the club allowed the 30-year-old former Ecuador national captain to return home to join El Nacional for match fitness.
Chala, who scored six goals for El Nacional last season as they reached the play-offs, said he was disappointed to return home, but aware he needed the match fitness ahead of the World Cup Finals.
"I wasn't happy to go to El Nacional on loan. I spoke to Gordon Strachan and he told me my English wasn't up to scratch, so I wouldn't be called for the first team.
"The Ecuador coach, Bollillo Gomez, asked me not to lose my match fitness or I would risk losing my place on the team.
"So I spoke to Rupert Lowe and he suggested I go back to El Nacional and to play in the Libertadora Cup, and that I did. But I can assure you that I will be back in Southampton on July 7 ready for the new season."
For the full interview - see inside today's Southern Daily Echo.
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