Bueno Says Farewell

Alberto Bueno has returned to Spain after completing his season long loan from Real Valladolid with his future uncertain but having enjoyed his time at Pride Park. Nigel Clough has stated any possible return to the club would depend on the players he manages to bring in over the summer and the Spanish club`s plans for him. In a season matching The Rams` in terms of the ups and downs the diminutive Spaniard showed some sublime pieces of skill and creativity during the run that took the side to the brink of the automatic promotion places before Christmas before struggling for form in the following few months as the side dropped down the table.

Bueno won back his place in the side in the last couple of months of the season as Derby picked up a little bit of form and secured their Championship status. Speaking to dcfc.co.uk Bueno said:

'Although we didn't have the success we would have liked on the pitch in the end, I have enjoyed being at Moor Farm with the players and staff. I have enjoyed it more than I thought I would. When I came to Derby, I was not sure I could find my home here. But after my first day with Derby I felt really good and everyone helped me, and it was very easy to settle."

'The fans have been great with me and I always felt close to the supporters, they sang my name all the time and treated me so nice off the pitch. I had some great moments, and my favourite was scoring twice against Crystal Palace at Pride Park.'

Bueno believes that Derby can look to the top end of the table next time round after a difficult season and admitted that Championship football and England in general took some getting used to after coming through the Real Madrid academy before joining Valladolid and then Derby. He also added that there are some good players at the club already and with a bit of confidence that the side can aim high next season, he continued:

'It is hard to change the culture you are living in and also learn to play a different style in England, but I think I handled it well. The first year is always hard, but with the help of the players and teammates, I think I adapted.'

'Next year Derby County can fight for playoffs. There is a good team here already. We had ups and downs over the season, but when we were good we played very well. Our confidence was high at points at that showed in our performances.'

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