Former Huddersfield Town defender Erik Durm has described how he only ate toast for a year during a ‘difficult time’ with the Terriers.
Durm joined Huddersfield last summer on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund as he looked to kick-start his career following an injury-hit spell at the Westfalenstadion.
He went on to make 30 appearances in all competitions for the club but was powerless to help as they were relegated from the Premier League with just 16 points to their name.
This summer saw him return to Germany, joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer and bringing his time in England to a swift end.
Reflecting on his year-long stay at the John Smith’s Stadium, Durm says it was difficult for him mentally as the mood around the club was low given their poor form in the league.
“I was free from injuries and played a lot. I needed the confidence to regain my body,” he told Frankfurter Allgemeine.
“Nevertheless, it was a challenging time because we were down. We lost almost every game; it was very difficult mentally. I am a head person.
“The people in Huddersfield were very friendly, but the houses there are different, it’s all a bit darker, the weather is heavy. It is cold and wet.”
One particular struggle for Durm was the change in diet, with him explaining he ended up eating toast for a year as he also battled with his first taste of real homesickness.
“The breakfast takes some getting used to. I only ate toast for a year, but then there was no bread in the end,” he added.
“I missed driving to the bakery in the morning, getting fresh bread, having the scent of coffee in my nose and then eating with my family.
“For the first time, I learned what it means to be homesick. I did not know that feeling before.”
