Mats Hummels: Adjusting to life back at Borussia Dortmund was easier than I expected

DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 17: Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund during the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund v FC Augsburg at the Signal Iduna Park on August 17, 2019 in Dortmund Germany (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 17: Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund during the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund v FC Augsburg at the Signal Iduna Park on August 17, 2019 in Dortmund Germany (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Mats Hummels has revealed what prompted him to return to Borussia Dortmund this summer and why he expected a more difficult reception from the BVB supporters

Three years after leaving to join Bayern Munich, Mats Hummels made a spectacular return to Borussia Dortmund this summer, signing on a club record fee of 30.5 million euros. And the 30 year old believes that Borussia Dortmund are an even bigger club than they were during his first stint at the Westfalenstadion.

Speaking to BVB-TV’s Matchday Magazine show (H/T: Bundesliga.com), Hummels said:

"“The club just got even bigger, more international and with an even higher reputation. Looking at the development in the course of the last years, that’s not surprising.”"

Hummels also talked about his decision to return to Borussia Dortmund, and revealed that the club’s ambition and the summer signings of Nico Schulz, Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt played a significant role in helping him make up his mind.

"“The most important thing was the really good team that has already been there last year and the other three new players Thorgan Hazard, Nico Schulz and Julian Brandt were already known when I made my decision.”“So I knew I would come into a highly competitive team for all three competitions that might still need a player like me. Some people or even coaches call me dominant. I like that way of playing and it seemed like it would fit in here.”"

Speaking about the welcome he has received from Borussia Dortmund supporters so far, Hummels admitted that he thought that it would be a lot harder and that fans would take more convincing.

"“It was easier than I thought. I thought it would be harder. It felt really good. The team made it easy for me, the people in the stadium and in the city as well. I don’t know if I can say this here but I expected a little headwind but I didn’t really feel that.”"

Hummels has been one of Borussia Dortmund’s standout players so far this season, and that has certainly helped fans warm up to him more quickly.

Hummels was also asked about his aims for his second coming at Borussia Dortmund. And the former Germany international said that he is determined to make more good memories at the Westfalenstadion.

"“Of course I knew the atmosphere in this stadium, that’s one reason too [for my move]. I came to that point when I thought it could be something very good again. I already had a great time here, and at first I wasn’t sure if the return would maybe ruin that memory, but it’s also a great challenge to come back. It’s my aim to make that memory even more successful.”"

Next. Player Ratings from Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen. dark

Hummels missed Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen on Saturday with a back injury, and it remains to be seen whether he will be ready to make his return to the side in time for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Czech Republic side Slavia Praha.