Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the first-choice goalkeeper for AFC Bournemouth this season.
The Spain international has kept six clean sheets and conceded 31 goals from 26 games for the Cherries.
Kepa has been speaking to DAZN in Spain about his move to Bournemouth last summer and Mundo Deportivo have relayed his comments.
The 30-year-old joined the Premier League club on loan from Chelsea, after spending last season on loan at Real Madrid. He lost prominence at the west London club, resulting in two temporary moves.
Prior to joining Bournemouth on loan, he extended his contract with the Blues until 2026. Mundo state the goalkeeper took a pay cut to secure a temporary move to the Vitality Stadium.
According to the Spaniard, Andoni Iraola was instrumental in his move to Bournemouth, and the move has allowed him to feature regularly this season.
“I had very good references and his call helped me take the step,” he said.
“I needed to enjoy football again, feel important, and have the opportunity to play every weekend. Being here has allowed me to do that and has been key to rediscovering the enthusiasm you seek as a footballer.”
Mundo report that Bournemouth could retain the stopper by offering €6m to Chelsea.
The Blues owned player also went on to praise his compatriots, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
“You can clearly see the change when you face teams managed by Spanish coaches like Arteta or Guardiola. Compared to the traditional English direct style of football, based on taking advantage of every corner and second chance, they present a completely different way of understanding the game,” Kepa explained.
