It's been a whirlwind few days for new FC Dallas striker Zdenek Ondrasek. The Czech only arrived in Dallas on Friday ahead of the start of preseason, and he's already feeling at home with his new team despite a venture into the unknown.

"Honestly I didn't know much about MLS because in Europe we don't follow it as much," said Ondrasek. "Of course it shows up when the big stars like David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] came here, so I guess many many people are starting to follow it more.

"I was really surprised. I had some offers on the other side of the world, but I'd never thought to go here. I always wanted to visit America but to play football, I wasn't even thinking about it but was very nicely surprised when this offer came. I wasn't thinking about it for long, Dallas really showed that they wanted me and I really wanted to come here right away."

Keeping up with MLS in Europe can be hindered by the time difference and availability, where MLS games can be played any time from midnight to 4 AM in the Central European Timezone and the lack of an archive service such as ESPN+. Even researching the team becomes difficult when there is little you can look towards to see the coach's system, with Luchi Gonzalez beginning his senior career in 2019.

So without knowing too much about the league or team, what does Ondrasek bring to FC Dallas?

"I will fight for the team, for the club, for the guys on the pitch," said Ondrasek. "I always say I'm not Ronaldo or Messi, I'm a fighter so for sure I will do anything for this club now it's my home. For the guys in the locker room, I will try to make some fun, a good atmosphere."

Zdeněk Ondrášek (MARCIN PIRGA / CYFRASPORT)

The 30-year-old's final six months with Wisla Krakow saw an impressive haul of 12 goals from 20 games. Moving to a new league, an unknown style, and a new team Ondrasek knows some things may have to change in his game but he's aiming for consistency.

"I wouldn't change much but I have to work harder because this is a new chapter in my life," said Ondrasek. "Everyone is new here, I'm new here, so I have to fight for the position. In Wisla [Krakow] I was sure as the number one striker. Here I will have to fight for it. I'm ready for it, so I'm really happy."

One cause for concern was a mystery injury that kept Ondrasek sidelined for six months in his time in Poland. Little was known about the injury but it was described as being an Achilles tendon injury - something that can leave a player drastically changed as FC Dallas fans saw with Mauro Diaz. The Cobra has no such concerns, setting the record straight on the actual injury.

"I had a hip injury," said Ondrasek. "It was just arthroscopic, so just small surgery. The doctor did a very good job and I haven't felt it since I started to train. I'm very happy with that."