CHELSEA star Mateo Kovacic admits he’s much happier at Stamford Bridge following his move from Real Madrid.
The Croatia international joined the Blues on loan in the summer.
The Real Madrid midfielder struggled to get game time at the Bernabeu, with the 24-year-old rarely starting under Zinedine Zidane last season.
Real manager Julen Lopetegui told Kovacic he wasn’t in his plans this season, which saw the former Inter Milan ace head to west London.
And Kovacic says he’s enjoying his football again under Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
“It was difficult when I was playing less,” he told The Sun.
“Now I am involved more and it helps me a lot.
“I was 18 when I went to Inter and then Madrid at 21.
“Maybe it was a bit too fast.”
Following his move to Chelsea in the summer, Kovacic said: “I am really happy and excited to be here at Chelsea.
“It is an amazing feeling. I will try to do my best for this club.
“It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough.
“But I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season.”
Kovacic has impressed in recent weeks under Sarri alongside Jorginho and N’Golo Kante in midfield.
Chelsea are back in action tomorrow afternoon, with the Blues travelling to West Ham (1:30pm kick-off).
Sarri’s men are hoping to extend their 100 per cent record in the Premier League.