Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabi Fernandez admits he's found the transition to Al Sadd and Qatar difficult this season.

Gabi is playing for Xavi at Al Sadd.

He told Marca: "I didn't know that life would be so difficult without Atletico, until you leave you just don't realise. I also miss my Atletico children, I see them as my family. I still keep in daily contact with them, especially Godin, Koke and Juanfran, but it's strange because although I don't belong to the club anymore, I feel responsible for the team, as though I'm still part of the group, even though I'm not."

"(They're) a club that treats me very well, I was surprised by how familiar it all felt, especially with Xavi in charge. As a result, the change has hit me less than I imagined, but I'm still getting used to their way of working. For example, they don't train in the morning, but they go to bed later in order to have an afternoon session.

"We're here to help them become more professional, and everyone here is very excited about the World Cup. I have left my comfort zone after 15 years working in the same way, although I've been clear that this is only a temporary arrangement."