Maya Yoshida is delighted with his first weeks as a Sampdoria player.

The Japan defender has joined on-loan from Southampton.

“My first experience of the Ferraris was excellent, as it's a stadium built for football, so it reminds me of the English arenas. The fans are very close to the pitch and cheer you on for the whole game," Yoshida told Il Secolo XIX newspaper.

“I am ready to play and hoped that I would get my chance to debut, but I'll keep training and wait for my opportunity. Working hard is the only way I can earn my playing time.

“I have already realised you need to be wary as a defender in Italy, as the Serie A strikers dive too much. That doesn't happen as much in the Premier League."