David Bates has spoken out about life in Germany, as quoted by the Evening Times.
The 22-year-old was one of a host of defenders to leave Rangers during the summer.
With his contact expiring, he joined the likes of Bruno Alves, Russell Martin and Fabio Cardoso in the search for a new club.
It didn’t take him long, though.
By
mid-April, he had already secured a four-year deal with Hamburg, a big club looking to rebuild after their first ever Bundesliga relegation.
So far, it’s gone extremely well. He’s played 22 league matches and the side sit second in the league, just one point behind leaders, FC Koln.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
“The whole idea was to go over and play as much as I could and improve as a player and I’ve done that”, said Bates, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“Getting better as a footballer was key and I can see the benefits, even as a person, to take myself out of the comfort zone and open my eyes to the world. I’m enjoying myself so much and I go to training with a laugh and smile on my face.”
“I always said I would be open to it if I had the chance. Once I had the opportunity to go to Hamburg, such a big club in German football, it was a no brainer.”
“I always was of the opinion I would go anywhere if it was right for me and this definitely has been.”
His progress hasn’t went unnoticed by Alex McLeish, either.
Bates made his international debut for Scotland in the Nations League, back in November.
Impressively, he looks set to retain his place for two European Qualifiers this week.
The first of the fixtures kicks off at 3pm today in Astana, against Kazakhstan.
