Fran García: “It's a very long season and we have to prepare for it as well as we possibly can" | OneFootball

Fran García spoke to the club's official media channels following the fourth day of pre-season training. The academy graduate discussed how he is feeling after the first few days back and reflected on his impression of the dressing room after the break: "We know the season is very long, with several competitions and we have to be as well prepared as possible and go into the friendlies in good shape."

“I was lucky enough to share a dressing room with some of these players towards the end of my time with Castilla, as I would come up to train with them sometimes. It's like a family, there's always a great atmosphere. That's really important. I'm thrilled to be here and to keep growing."

Ancelotti “He's really close to the players and he's always on hand to correct any element of the game. He tries to guide me with certain positional elements, where I should be when we're playing the ball out. I'm really happy, both with him and all the coaching staff, because that closeness really helps, especially for the new players."

Pre-season “The first few days back are always intense, especially in the early weeks as we get back into the swing of things after the holidays. There is a lot of work in the gym and then Pintus' drills out on the pitch that we all know very well." His fitness “I have always liked looking after myself and I'm very dedicated in that sense. To be here and have the chance to grow, with these facilities and everything else we have available to us is unbelievable. I'm enjoying it like a little kid."

His return to the club “I'm so proud and excited to be back here after three years away. To be back in the place that has been my home since I left at 13 years old makes you incredibly happy and proud of all the work you put in."

His development since arriving in the academy “I still see a young kid who left home full of excitement and hunger to come and do what he loved most at the club of his dreams. I had the opportunity to grow and forge my path as a player and a person because I left home so young. Rayo gave me the chance to keep growing and maturing, both personally and in my football too. Now I'm coming back as a man and I will try to prove I belong here."

Have you been surprised by Brahim, Bellingham and Arda Güler? “I'd highlight how well they've all adapted, coming from different countries. They are settling in really well with the rest of the group and that reflects very well on how we do things here."