Borussia Dortmund star says Germany is 'cold' and the people are 'withdrawn' as he opens up on struggle of moving to Bundesliga side

The Dortmund defender is finding it hard to adapt to Germany's cold weather despite signing a five-year deal at the club this summer. Apart from the weather, he has also claimed that the people in the country are "withdrawn", and that such issues explain why Brazilian players have gradually stopped moving to Germany.

Couto's struggle off the pitch emerged recently, but his situation on the pitch had taken a toll ever since he joined Dortmund. Last season, he was sent on loan from Manchester City to the Bundesliga outfit and he registered 21 appearances in the top flight, starting only eight times. And now, after the club triggered the buying option and paid around €20 million (£17m/$23m) alongside a €4m loan fee, he has opened up on the adaptability and loneliness he is facing in Germany.

The right-back told Sport in an interview: "Both personally and in dealing with the cold and people who are more withdrawn. It's not easy, but it makes a big difference. I'm coming to Germany and living alone. That's why many Brazilians no longer go to Germany. It's a challenge for me. I have to deal with it."

Couto represented Dortmund five times in the recently concluded Club World Cup and will now prepare for the two friendlies against Sportfreunde Siegen and Juventus on July 30 and August 10, respectively. Afterwards, the German club will commence their season with their DFB-Pokal clash against Essen on August 18.