Asier Illarramendi denies taking a backwards step as he returns to Real Sociedad after two years with Real Madrid.
Illarra on Wednesday completed a €16m return to Anoeta, having originally left for more than €30m.
“Coming home is never a backwards step. I played here for many years and made a lot of friends,” he said, Marca reports, at the presentation.
“I’ve matured a lot in the last two years. I’ve lived through different experiences, won four trophies. I’ve met new people and I’ve trained with the best in the world.
“And even though I didn’t get much continuity, you learn from everything and you take positives from everything.”
Illarra has signed a six-year contract with La Real and offered an insight into how the move came about.
“I’m very happy to be back. I’d like to thank the President and the council. There have been intense days but the decision was clear for two days,” he continued.
“Coming back was a nice opportunity. I always believed La Real was a great team. I kept in touch with my former teammates and we have a good group.
“There’s a great atmosphere. I’m here with excitement and enthusiasm of meeting this challenge.
“Early in the pre-season I didn’t plan on leaving Madrid. But then circumstances changed and I changed my decision.
“You learn from everything, good and bad. I would have liked things to have gone better, but there are no regrets and that is the past.
“I’m here to add my grain of sand. I always work hard, give as much as I can. Together we can make it a great year.
“I understand people were hurt when I left. I was a cantera kid and I intended to stay here for years. But it was a unique opportunity I couldn’t miss.
“People will see that I give 100% on the field and the team will do well.”
