Bayer Leverkusen’s Gustavo Puerta has been on loan at Hull City since last summer.
The Colombian moved to Europe when the Bundesliga club signed him from Bogotá FC in January 2023 and they immediately sent him on loan to 1. FC Nürnberg. Puerta struggled for prominence last season at Bayer Leverkusen, when they won the title.
Xabi Alonso’s side sent the midfielder on loan to Hull City and this move has paid off for him.
The 21-year-old had to wait until mid-October to make his debut for the Tigers and has made 26 appearances for them so far. As it stands, he will have to return to his parent club after the loan spell with the Championship side.
Puerta has been speaking to El VBar de Caracol Radio and AS in Colombia have relayed his comments. He believes he’s adapted in Europe since leaving his country more than two years ago.
“They’re two different worlds. I was in my country with my family, my friends, the food, and I arrived in a country with different people, climate, and food,” he said.
“That’s the hardest part for South Americans, but it’s all in the mind and the desire to succeed. Those things take a backseat, and you focus on working and doing things well.”
The Hull City man’s contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2028, but his desire is to make a big jump in the summer window.
“I’ve already completed years in Europe. The adaptation has gone from less to more. I can now say that I’ve adapted to the food, the people, and the European culture; that’s the hardest part for me to feel better on the pitch. I’ll keep working and hope to move to a bigger club next season to continue demonstrating my quality,” Puerta explained.
In December, Hull City appointed Spaniard Rubén Sellés as their manager. The Colombian believes he has progressed and impressed for the Championship club.
“The Championship could be the sixth toughest league. It’s very competitive, every game is tough, it’s a physical league with little space to play. There’s constant pressure, and no chance to walk or think much. This league demands a lot from the start,” he added.
“I’ve adapted very well. I now have a Spanish coach, and it’s been good for me in terms of communication, and my performance has gone from strength to strength.”
