One of the stories for Brighton & Hove Albion towards the end of the summer window was the fact George Cox found himself a club for the season when Fortuna Sittard agreed to take him on loan.
The 21-year-old, who underwent heart surgery in 2018, was sent to Holland on a year long deal that includes an option to buy, and arriving rather late, the left-back only made his debut this season for the Eredivisie side, which unfortunately ended in a 3-2 loss against FC Twente.
Speaking to De Limburger in Holland this week, the young defender reassured everyone he has not had any problems with his heart since the operation, and just wants to get on with his football career.
However, he explains it had been quite hard to find a new side willing to give him first-team football, which is why he appreciates the opportunity handed to him by Fortuna so much.
He said: “That was frustrating, because I know there is nothing wrong with me, but I understand where it comes from. [When the Dutch side came knocking] I knew they were playing at the highest level in the Netherlands, and that was enough for me”.
His first experience in a top division, the game against Twente really left its mark on the player, who was only previously used to League Two football with Northampton Town.
He explained: “It’s really incomparable to what I’ve found here. The atmosphere was great. If you did something good or bad, you can really hear the fans screaming. It seems a different sport compared to the lower levels of England. It’s much more technical and tactical here”.
Now able to play regular first-team football, it seems Cox is ready to grasp everything with both hands, doing so in chase of his ultimate dream: playing in the Premier League with the Seagulls.
He concluded: “I would really like to experience that in my career. Brighton is my childhood sweetheart, but I must first focus on Fortuna”.
