Fulham summer signing David Affengruber has admitted he is living the dream after his move to the Premier League.
The centre-back moved to Craven Cottage on deadline day of the summer transfer window in a €12m deal to bolster Arbeloa’s defensive options.
He’s quickly established himself in their team over the last few weeks, starting games against Liverpool and Manchester United before the international break.
It means there has been little time for the usual, slow integration that most players would like when swapping La Liga for the Premier League. Affengruber isn’t concerned, though. He’s just focused on the dream part of the experience.
“Yes, 2026 has been an incredibly beautiful, successful year to date – also a bit crazy. A lot has happened – and in football it’s usually a good sign when a lot happens,” he told Sky Austria.
“With the class preservation in La Liga we have reached our goal of the season with Elche in the last game of the season, which was something very special for me.
“After that, the huge honor of being able to attend the World Cup. Then this short summer break and right after the restart of the transfer to Fulham. That was a really big step in my career that sounds and feels really good.”
No time to adapt
He was given little time to plan for his debut at Liverpool. But still managed to put in a star performance to get Alvaro Arbeloa’s side a much-needed point at Anfield, and a clean sheet to boot. Now he is confident of more big performances to come in future.
“It’s all gone extremely fast. I’m sure that helped me got my first game away at Anfield Road,” he added.
“There was not much time to think about it. It was just about playing football, focusing on your basics, putting the performance on the pitch and doing what fulfils you.
“I think I managed that halfway well in my first two games. Of course, there is always air up. I just need to get to know the team even better. I’m sure that will be even better in the coming weeks.”
Anfield dream
The center-back is very much living the dream in his early weeks at Fulham. Not only has there been a trip to Anfield, there’s also been a clash against Manchester United. But the trip to Anfield will stick in the memory it seems.
“I’ve fortunately been allowed to play in a lot of European football temples, but Anfield is certainly one of the best stadiums I’ve played in so far,” he concluded.
“Of course, there was nervousness, which is certainly human. In the opening minutes it was important for me that I put on the first passes and won the first duels. If the first actions succeed, you will find your way around a game better.
“Then it becomes easier and you automatically develop a good feeling. I remembered that when I watched with the Youth League squad at Anfield when Salzburg played against Liverpool. At that time, I thought to myself, ‘I want to go there too.’ And now to be there on the pitch is an indescribable feeling.”