Pele has proved a big hit with the fans at St Mary's but still faces a daily struggle to adapt to life in England. ADAM LEITCH talks to the midfielder about the challenges he has faced and those ahead of him.

Pele is out to prove a point at Southampton - and not just on the pitch.

The 28-year-old has been a massive hit since his summer move from Belenenses in Portugal, playing in the centre of defence and centre of midfield and making himself a popular figure in the dressing room and to the fans in the stands.

But these things don't come as easily as just turning up with your boots every day and playing.

Many footballers coming from a culture such as Pele's in Portugal find it difficult to adapt and settle in England.

Many struggle to learn the language, some just don't like the culture, others struggle with the football while there have been numerous examples of players who didn't make an impact because they found the weather too cold.

Pele has seen this happen time and time again but is determined to show that if you are prepared to throw yourself head long into a different way of life then you can succeed.

"It is very different here - the weather is the worse thing, it's very cold," he smiled.

"I think I have adapted, I think I am adapting.

"For me I'm thinking I'm living here for a long time, not a few months.

"I'm feeling good and I'm feeling happy so that's important.

"I had some clubs interested in me before and my agent told me in the middle of last season.

"It was easy to decide to come here.

"There were some clubs in Portugal who were interested and I could stay there but I prefer to come here.

"There's lots of players in Portugal who leave Portugal and go to another country and don't adapt.

"I was a little scared because of these examples but I thought I wanted to try because I thought I could play here."

Pele is taking English lessons and on the evidence of our chat is getting on well.

He believes his grasp of the language is still rather ropey but compared to many other footballers he's doing very well - there are plenty who have been here for years that are worse.

"I'm learning English, I wouldn't say it's good yet," said Pele."I have some friends that help. I've started to know people here and television and DVDs are helping as well.

"I watch music and movies in English with subtitles to help me.

"I have English lessons because I want to learn more and more and to feel like an English guy."

He added: "For me it wasn't so difficult I think because in the Algarve where I lived everybody spoke basic English.

"When I came here I knew a few words, a few basic things and it makes it more easy.

"I think it was easier for me than for example Jhon Viafara who is also learning but it's slower so I think it was easier for me to adapt."

Pele also attracts a bit of attention because of his name but in fact Pele is the nickname, he was born Pedro Miguel Cardoso Monteiro.

His versatility has helped him develop in the Saints team this season but he has noticed the difference in England after years of Portuguese football.

"It's slower in Portugal. For example if you play midfield you have time to receive the ball and watch but here you have to do things fast.

"It's more physical this league - it's very physical.

"All my life I've played in defence and not in midfield. I played a few games in Portugal but it's different here.

"I just like to play whether it's in midfield or defence but I'm more used to playing at the back.

"Sometimes I feel lost in the midfield but I'm enjoying playing there."

Pele has come to England with an eye on playing in the Premiership.

He believes there is the squad to win promotion and if they do it will make people sit up and take notice of Southampton - even back in Portugal.

"I have enjoyed it, it's been good," he said.

"It's a good club and a big club - I came from a different country, different football and in Portugal everybody knows Southampton but they don't know how big it is as a club. Now I know and I'm enjoying it.

"I didn't realise how big a club it was before I got here.

"The fans, the ground, the training ground - everything about it is big.

"We have a nice dressing room that is full of funny guys - mad, but nice guys and that helps as well.

"I think everybody here wants to play in the Premiership - me too.

"I have a three year contract and in that time I want to play in the Premiership with Southampton - I hope we can get the promotion this year.

"I believe we can get there this year, I am every day thinking this."