Saul grateful despite 'complicated' Chelsea loan on Atletico Madrid return

Saul Niguez is eager to show his growth when he returns to Atletico Madrid after a 'complicated' loan spell at Chelsea last season.

Despite making 24 appearances in all competitions, the midfielder endured a tough temporary stint with the two-time Champions League winners.

Indeed, he made just five Premier League starts, while only completing a full 90 minutes on three occasions under Thomas Tuchel.

Nevertheless, Saul insists his time with the Blues was a hugely beneficial experience for him, both as a player and as a person.

And on his return to his parent club, the Spain international will hope to use those learnings to his advantage as he battles for a place alongside Diego Simeone.

"I can't wait to get home and I'm mentally at my best," Saul told the club's official website.

"I know that I came from a loan spell where I didn't have many minutes, and that I have to work hard, persevere and make a lot of sacrifices to get a place in the team.< /p>

"There is a very high level of competition; we have an extremely competitive team.

"I can only be grateful to everyone at Chelsea for their confidence and to my team-mates for making the year so easy for me and helping me, and to Atleti for making it easier .

"I come with a lot of humility, thinking of working and helping the team in any way I can and from wherever I can.

"I really want to show that, despite a complicated year, it has been very good for me to improve and grow in many aspects, both sporting and personal."