PSV midfielder Kodai Sano has revealed how quickly he has settled into life in Eindhoven, with the Japanese international crediting his experiences in the Netherlands for helping him adapt to his new surroundings.

Sano officially became a PSV player on August 8 after completing his move from NEC. The midfielder was handed his PSV debut last Saturday when Peter Bosz brought him off the bench during the 2-1 victory over Excelsior, where he immediately made a positive impression.

The move represents another step in Sano's development since arriving in the Netherlands three years ago.

Sano initially struggled to adapt after leaving Japan for NEC. The cultural and linguistic differences proved challenging during his first months in the country.

“The beginning was difficult. The transition from Japan to the Netherlands was very big and I spoke almost no English. It was a culture shock. At first I did have a bit of homesickness, but before long I felt at home,” Sano told De Telegraaf, as quoted by PSV Inside.

The presence of fellow Japanese players Koki Ogawa and, later, Kento Shiogai also helped Sano settle in Nijmegen.

“The friendship with Koki and later Kento was very important. And I learned good English, thanks to our teacher Dirk,” he explained.

That improvement in English has now become particularly valuable at PSV, where Sano is keen to build relationships with both his teammates and Bosz's coaching staff.

“I would like to make contact with my teammates and the coaches. It is important that I can ask everything about how things work here at PSV, but also about the tactics,” the midfielder said.

Sano's early impressions of Eindhoven have been positive, both on and off the pitch. The 22-year-old says the PSV squad has made his integration considerably easier.

“I’m taken care of really well in the group,” Sano said.

His promising debut against Excelsior followed shortly afterwards. Bosz introduced him during the match and the Japanese midfielder brought additional energy and intensity to PSV's midfield as the champions secured a 2-1 victory.

Sano has not forgotten the people who helped him during his three years at NEC, however. Nijmegen remains close enough for him to maintain those friendships, particularly with Ogawa and former teammate Philippe Sandler.

“But Nijmegen isn’t far. If there’s an opportunity, then I’ll certainly arrange to meet with Koki and Philippe,” Sano said.

For now, Sano's attention is firmly on establishing himself at PSV, with his first appearance providing an encouraging start to his new chapter under Bosz.