Javier Manquillo spent over six years at Newcastle United before leaving them for Celta Vigo in January.
Eddie Howe didn’t offer an opportunity to the right-back this season and the Magpies reached an agreement with him to terminate the contract last month.
On Sunday, the former Newcastle man made his debut for Celta in their 3-0 win over CA Osasuna. After the tie, he expressed his joy over making a good start to his life at the La Liga side and his quotes are relayed by El Desmarque.
Manquillo was on the pitch for 73 minutes before being replaced by Tadeo Allende.
On his Celta debut, he said: “The truth is that it couldn’t be a better debut than this one, which only asked for the three points but look at what a more important victory by 0-3 so I’m very happy.”
Former Newcastle manager Rafael Benítez is currently in charge at Celta and knew the 29-year-old well from his time at the Tyneside club.
Manquillo has revealed that this connection made it easier for him to adapt easily at the Spanish club. The defender made this claim when explaining his first week at Celta and remains hopeful that he can continue to shine for them.
“I’ve always said it, the dressing room is a very humble dressing room, they are making everything very easy for me,” Manquillo explained.
“It’s true that I already knew the coach from Newcastle and that is easier to adapt to. For now, everything is very good and I hope it continues like this.”
At Celta, the Spaniard has signed a deal until 2025 and this move can help him relaunch his career.
