Javi says he is returning to Real Madrid as a better player

Javi Garcia said Thursday that he is returning to Spanish champions Real Madrid after one season at Osasuna as a much improved player.

“I stay put in my position, as opposed to running around as much as I did when I first started playing at the age of 17. That is what I have learned, to maintain my position and play more with my head,” he told the club’s web site.

“I’ve mostly played as a central midfielder, but I was positioned as centreback several times at Osasuna. I’ve adapted well to that position and feel very comfortable,” the 21-year-old added.

Javi, a product of Real Madrid’s youth squad, said he would like to secure a regular place in the club’s starting line-up this time around.

“I had the chance to play in some games when I was here last time, but a player needs to enjoy some continuity and know that the coach counts on him even when a game doesn’t turn out well,” he said.

“I feel ready to play on this team and to have some continuity. I’m here to make decisions hard for the coach,” he added.

Javi moved to Pamplona-based Osasuna at the end of last season on a four-year contract that included a four-million-euro buy-back clause which Real Madrid decided to exercise in April.