Puerta: 'I thank them for supporting me'

Gustavo Puerta spoke exclusively to Tigers+ about his time at the club so far after being named the December Safiport Player of the Month!

Gustavo Puerta was proud to be named as the Safiport Player of the Month for his excellent performances in December. 

The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful run in the festive period and is building confidence with each game, netting his first goal for the club in the Emirates FA Cup tie with Doncaster Rovers. 

After making the loan switch from reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, the midfielder has made 17 appearances. 

“Firstly, I should say thank you to my teammates, the staff and everyone that’s supported me from the first time I got here,” said Puerta. “This is a result of hard work that I’ve had the chance to win this amazing prize, now I have to carry on working and show the very best of myself. 

“I think the month of December was one of my best since my arrival here. I think I did well, I have confidence, and I hope that I can carry on this momentum on the pitch.

“I received the support from the fans from the start, it’s very beautiful. This is important for a player to feel that you are supported and loved by the fans. This is excellent and I thank them for supporting me and also for awarding me as ‘Player of the Month’.” 

The Columbian midfielder has impressed while on loan at the MKM Stadium and went on to speak about how much he has enjoyed his first few months with the club.

“I believe that the adaptation period is getting increasingly better,” he continued. “So far, the adaptation as a whole has been excellent, all the people here have helped me, and I hope that will carry on building on the positive momentum.” 

Due to his excellent start to life with the Tigers, the midfielder earned his first call up to the Colombian men’s national team in November. 

“One of the main sensations for a footballer is to be called up for his national team, and I’m not an exception, for me it’s the same. It was marvelous to be called to the national team and I hope I can carry on at this level to earn more caps.” 

Fellow midfielder Steven Alzate also represents Columbia on the international stage and Puerta explained how his teammate has helped him settle into life with Hull City. 

“It’s excellent to be here with Steven, we really get along,” he said. “Inside and outside the pitch, he’s a good mate and we make ourselves a good double I believe, and we want to carry that on.” 

Since the arrival of Spanish-speaking head coach Rubén Sellés, Puerta’s found communication easier while starting to learn the English language. The young playmaker has started six of Selles’ first eight games with the Tigers and is really enjoying his football under the new boss. 

“I don’t speak so well in English, so for me it’s a very positive situation that Ruben is able to speak with me in Spanish,” explained Puerta. “I think that since he arrived here my level has improved, one key point for football is communication and the communication now is better. 

“I hope that I can carry on doing the things well that I’m doing now and I want to show my best every single day and improve.”