Former Arsenal winger Xavier Amaechi admits sports director Michael Mutzel was key to his decision to move to Hamburg.
The 18 year-old has moved permanently to HSV with the aim to helping them win promotion to the Bundesliga this season.
"It has been clear to me since January that I wanted to go to HSV," said €2.5m signing Amaechi.
"Michael told me a lot about HSV. And he was very honest with me, he did not just tell the great stuff. But I believe in myself, I'm going to work damn hard, that's crucial.
"Hamburg is the best option because I have the chance to develop further here. Also as a human. At home in London, I lived in a bubble, I wanted that step."