Chu said he would likely give Forlan some minutes when they meet Southern in the Premier League on Sunday, although the newcomer might start on the bench first.

“He showed great skills in the session, his movement in the box and nose for goals are of a different class, although it still takes some time before he can regain his match fitness as he hasn’t played for a year,” said Chu. “But we don’t think there should be any problem for him to mix with the team, just a matter of time. He will get some minutes against Southern as I have already told him. Let’s see.”

Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin also attended the practice session, apparently to get a glimpse of the player whom he mentioned as the most expensive signing under him.

“I took charge of Kitchee in 2003 and Forlan is the most expensive player I have ever signed,” said Ng. “We are happy to bring a player of his calibre to Kitchee, not only for the sake of boosting the club but also Hong Kong soccer.”

Forlan said he might not be in his best shape ahead of the Southern game but would work hard to regain his match fitness.

“I will try to do my best as I haven’t played a game since awhile but I still have training,” he said after the one-hour session. “I will use this couple of weeks to get in shape as soon as possible.”

Kitchee midfielder Krisztian Vadocz, who played together with Forlan for Mumbai City in 2016, said his old pal is as good as before.

“We played together one year ago and he scored many goals,” said the former Hungary international, who also played against Forlan when the striker was at Atletico Madrid and he was at Osasuna.

Vadocz described Forlan as a “constant problem” for defenders and said he preferred being on the same team.

“He is a constant lethal weapon and is as good as before. No questions about that. We welcome such an experienced player like Diego and he will be a big problem to the defenders.”