Cesc Fabregas has said he is enjoying his return to a central midfield role since moving to Chelsea from Barcelona.
Fabregas, 27, told Spanish newspaper El Pais he feels much more appreciated in England than Spain and revealed that Chelsea were the team he used to want to beat most when he played for Arsenal.
The Spain international's return to boyhood club Barca in 2011 proved difficult as he did not have a fixed place in his preferred position, but he has rediscovered his best form for Jose Mourinho's side, notching up 15 assists in 21 games.
"I feel important," Fabregas said. "It's just that I play further back and that makes me feel more active in games, hence I enjoy myself much more.
"I touch the ball 90 to 100 times per game, and I had missed that. Three years ago, I wouldn't have imagined working under Mourinho -- but life has many turns, and more so in football. We [Arsenal] had a big rivalry with Mou. We were against him, but I never hated him.
"Chelsea was the team that I wanted to beat the most. I also had a lot of spats with [John] Terry but, in the end, we are people. I'm not driven by hate."
He said things at Barcelona "didn't go as I had desired, but I'm nevertheless proud of what I did," adding that he had won titles "although I was not recognised."
The midfielder also explained that he felt there were more similarities between Pep Guardiola, who coached him at Barcelona, and new boss Mourinho than many people might have imagined.
"They are both winners," he said. "They both hate to lose. They work differently, but they both like to play attractive football. I hope I can win everything with Chelsea."