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Cape Town - Gerard Deulofeu says there are many things about Spanish life that he missed while at Everton, but insists the support he received in England was second to none.
The Barcelona forward spent last term on loan at Goodison Park, where he enjoyed a good relationship with the Toffees fans following some strong performances.
And, while the 20-year-old has revealed he was hugely home sick during his time in England, he insists the atmosphere around the grounds in the country's top flight made it all worthwhile.
Deulofeu, who is out on another season-long loan - this time with Sevilla - told Marca: “I learned many things in England. Above all, I learned that until you leave home, you don’t know to appreciate what you have,” he said.
“Family, weather, food…it’s a bit emotional. It’s not like it is here everywhere else.
“There weren’t many difficult moments. It’s true that sometimes you feel a bit down because you go for weeks without seeing the sun, but then what happens at a weekend compensates for that.
“The atmosphere of football in England is intense. There’s so much passion. I was very happy at Everton.
“I’d bring the fans to La Liga. If we in Spain had fans like in England, it would be the best League without doubt. And the live football, in the stadiums, the people live for it.
“I really like live football. I like the English style, which is very straightforward.
“I think I’m in between technical and direct styles of play. With the national team I like the technical.
“I’m happy to receive the pass and or lead the counter-attack. I really like that as well. In Sevilla we don’t always play the technical and I really like it. I’ll take them both.”
The Barcelona forward spent last term on loan at Goodison Park, where he enjoyed a good relationship with the Toffees fans following some strong performances.
And, while the 20-year-old has revealed he was hugely home sick during his time in England, he insists the atmosphere around the grounds in the country's top flight made it all worthwhile.
Deulofeu, who is out on another season-long loan - this time with Sevilla - told Marca: “I learned many things in England. Above all, I learned that until you leave home, you don’t know to appreciate what you have,” he said.
“Family, weather, food…it’s a bit emotional. It’s not like it is here everywhere else.
“There weren’t many difficult moments. It’s true that sometimes you feel a bit down because you go for weeks without seeing the sun, but then what happens at a weekend compensates for that.
“The atmosphere of football in England is intense. There’s so much passion. I was very happy at Everton.
“I’d bring the fans to La Liga. If we in Spain had fans like in England, it would be the best League without doubt. And the live football, in the stadiums, the people live for it.
“I really like live football. I like the English style, which is very straightforward.
“I think I’m in between technical and direct styles of play. With the national team I like the technical.
“I’m happy to receive the pass and or lead the counter-attack. I really like that as well. In Sevilla we don’t always play the technical and I really like it. I’ll take them both.”
