MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 05:23:25| >> :120:3872:3872:

Asier Illarramendi: 'Real Sociedad return not a backward step for me'

Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi insists that his return to the club does not represent a step down from Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi has insisted that his move back to his former side does not represent a step down from Real Madrid.

Illarramendi recently agreed a return to Sociedad on a six-year contract after failing to make an impact on the first team at Los Blancos, but the 25-year-old is adamant that the deal does not signal a move backwards in his career.

"They have a great team, there's a great atmosphere within the squad here and it's a great group. I remained in contact with all of my old teammates here and I'm really looking forward to this new challenge," said Illarramendi, according to Goal.com.

"Madrid didn't work out as well as I would have liked but you learn from these experiences, from the good and the bad. That's not to say that it was all bad; I don't think I left on a bad note – after all, I won four trophies with Madrid.

"I spent many years here and I have a lot of friends here, so it's certainly not a step backwards. I am more mature now, I've trained with some of the world's best players and even if I don't get a great deal of continuity. I've learned a lot."

Illarramendi made 59 appearances for Madrid since joining in 2013.

ID:242044: cacheID:242044:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2100:
Written by
Christopher Dodd
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Asier Illarramendi for Real Madrid on September 27, 2014
Read Next:
Real Sociedad re-sign Asier Illarramendi
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!