Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi has insisted that his move back to his former side does not represent a step down from Real Madrid.

Illarramendi recently agreed a return to Sociedad on a six-year contract after failing to make an impact on the first team at Los Blancos, but the 25-year-old is adamant that the deal does not signal a move backwards in his career.

"They have a great team, there's a great atmosphere within the squad here and it's a great group. I remained in contact with all of my old teammates here and I'm really looking forward to this new challenge," said Illarramendi, according to Goal.com.

"Madrid didn't work out as well as I would have liked but you learn from these experiences, from the good and the bad. That's not to say that it was all bad; I don't think I left on a bad note – after all, I won four trophies with Madrid.

"I spent many years here and I have a lot of friends here, so it's certainly not a step backwards. I am more mature now, I've trained with some of the world's best players and even if I don't get a great deal of continuity. I've learned a lot."

Illarramendi made 59 appearances for Madrid since joining in 2013.