Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has been a part of the Whites set-up for years now having joined the club as a teenager

The Slovakian joined the club just over seven years ago after he had turned 16 and the young shot-stopper has now explained what it was like moving to England at a young age.

Speaking to The Evening Standard, he said: "The first couple of months were tough because I didn’t speak good ­English.

"I took lessons for about a year and I also learned from the boys in the ­dressing room.

"I lived in digs with another player, Cameron Burgess, for about two years and then we moved into a flat.

"The first couple of months were tough away from my family but I am the kind of person who gets on with stuff. I’ve enjoyed it ever since."

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The 23-year-old is enjoying his first season as the Cottagers' number one keeper and has featured in 21 games across all competitions.

The goalkeeper was made first choice in October following the poor form of Marcus Bettinelli and Rodak is yet to let manager Scott Parker down in between the sticks

Before becoming the main keeper at Fulham, Rodak learnt his trade in senior football with loan spells at Farnborough, Welling United and Accrington Stanley.

It was his two loans with Rotherham United in the last two seasons that played a large part in him becoming a more prominent member of Fulham's first team as he played 84 games which included gaining promotion from League One in 2018.

The Verdict

The prospect of leaving home at a young age for Rodak must have been a daunting prospect however he has adjusted to the rigours of senior football in England.

The risk of moving away at 16 has turned out to be a good risk with him now putting in some excellent displays for Fulham as he helps to lead the charge towards the Championship automatic promotion places for Parker's men.