Saul Niguez says he’s feeling better about life at Chelsea after a difficult start.

The midfielder is on a straight season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.

Saul told the club’s website: “The beginning wasn’t easy for me. I have changed my whole life, moving from Madrid, leaving Madrid with my family, changing language and culture, even the small things like driving on the other side of the road!

“Everything has changed – the stadium, team-mates, my whole life. The truth is it hasn’t been easy but I’m very grateful to my team-mates and the club for making it easier for me to adapt. My English is improving and everything is becoming a bit easier.

“Personally, I would like to have played more but I also understand that this team won the Champions League last season so it is difficult to get into the team. I feel good and every day I’m feeling better and prepared for when the head coach needs me.”

Saul also stated: “Yes, of course. Whenever I take a decision in life, whether it’s a sporting one or otherwise, I always speak to my family as they are so important to me. Now that they are a bit further away, it’s difficult but thanks to technology I can communicate with them daily.

“I needed to get my head out of the Atletico Madrid world for a while because I have been there since I was 12 so everything affects you much more. If the fans whistle at you, it affects you much more because those people are your people and when you have difficult moments you live them differently.

“It’s complicated, and leaving was complicated, but I took it as a challenge to compete with the best players in my position and I don’t have any fear in doing that. I feel good and if I’m as I should be, I know I can do a lot to help Chelsea.”