Sean McLoughlin is excited to get to work with his new Rovers team-mates after completing his move from Hull City.
McLoughlin, who has penned an initial two-year deal at Ewood Park, will now get to spend some valuable time around the group in Spain.
Rovers have a couple of friendlies against Qatar SC on Tuesday and Elche on Friday (both 6pm UK time) as preparations for the new Championship campaign ramp up.
“It is a good time, to be fair,” said the new signing. “They have obviously had a few weeks together in pre-season.
“To be able to go away and spend some time with them and get to know them, it is a good thing.
“Coming to a new place, it has obviously been six years since I did it and I’m not used to it. It is strange being the new guy but, from speaking to the lads in there, they are very welcoming. I’m sure I will settle in quick.”
The Irishman revealed he had interest elsewhere but decided Rovers was his top choice after coming close to a move 12 months prior.
“There was one or two that were interested, but my agent phoned me and said that Blackburn Rovers were interested,” he recalled.
“I told them out of all the clubs that would be my preference to go to and, luckily, it managed to work out.”
The defender added: “The conversations that I had with Hull, they kind of left the door open to move.
“I've been there six years and I had some great memories, but I think it was time for me to move on. When Blackburn Rovers renewed their interest, it was something that I was keen to get done.
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“I've nothing but good things to say about Hull and how they treated me, and I’m obviously thankful for the past six years.”
McLoughlin is primarily a centre-back but is also comfortable at left-back, and the new recruit reckons his versatility can stand him in good stead at Ewood Park.
“I have played a lot of games at left-back too and I am always prepared to help the team, whatever position I play in,” he said.
“It is important for any successful team that there is good competition and I am coming here with my work cut out.
“I have got to earn the jersey and put in the performances in training to show the manager that I deserve to play.”
The Irishman spoke with Valerien Ismael before making the move to Lancashire and is excited to work under the head coach.
“I spoke to him before I came here and he seems like a really nice guy - someone who is calm but very driven and, on the training pitch I'm sure he drives the standards. I am looking forward to working with him,” he said.
“He is just looking for me to be myself and continue doing what I'm doing. I am coming in here obviously with a lot of experience at this level and just trying to add to the team really.
“I got a glimpse of what he is about [against Everton] and the way the team is set up. Hopefully, I can slide in there, improve and help improve the team as well.”
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