Former Bafana Bafana defender, Nasief Morris discussed how he adapted to life overseas when making his move from Santos back in 2001.
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Former Bafana Bafana defender Nasief Morris spent the majority of his career in Greece, playing for one of the country's top clubs, Panathinaikos.
In a recent chat with SoccerBeat's Michael Morton, the Cape Town-born legend detailed the difficulties of adjusting to life in Europe after leaving Santos.
Morris also explained how his move to Greece came about and what he had to endure in his first few months living in a foreign country.
The 43-year-old began his European journey at a smaller club, Aris Saloniki, before rising to prominence as a multiple champion, regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League with Panathinaikos.
His journey also led him to one of Europe's top three leagues, Spain's LaLiga, where he had loan stints with Racing Santander and Recreativo Huelva.
South African footballers struggling to settle overseas is a tale as old as time, with many having failed to establish themselves outside the continent.
Like Lucas Radebe, Steven Pienaar, Sibusiso Zuma and Benni McCarthy among others, Morris took the plunge in the early 2000s and made it work before returning home in 2011, after a decade on European shores.
"It is difficult, when I think, look back, the first two or three months I was struggling a bit, when I was alone obviously. I always used to be on the phone with Edries Burton, because we had a very close relationship and he used to tell me to bite out those first two months, after the third month, maybe things will be a bit different," shared Morris
"I think once I was settled, when I had my own place, a car to move around with... Because in the first two months I was staying in a hotel. So, it was the same thing over and over.
"When I had my own place, things became different, better and I felt more comfortable and that's how I settled in. It's not easy, at all. For you, it's about what you want out of your career as an individual and you need to bite that bullet and go through that phase when things aren't going well for you," added Morris.
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