Ben Brereton Diaz didn’t expect to be back in English football so soon after his Rovers exit – but is relishing the challenge ahead with Sheffield United.

The forward has joined the Blades on loan for the remainder of the season as they battle to protect their top flight status.

Brereton Diaz made his first appearance for the Yorkshire club at the weekend, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the 4-0 win at Gillingham in the FA Cup third round.

He had struggled to nail down a place in the side at Villarreal during the first half of the campaign and is keen to get minutes under his belt in the Premier League.

“Going out to Spain six months ago, it is a shock to be back this early but I am really excited to come to Sheffield United,” said the former Rovers man.

“As soon as I heard they were interested, I spoke to a few people and we got it done quickly. I wasn’t really playing out there and they said I could go out on loan.

“It is great to be back in England at such a great club. I know the club well from playing against them and I can’t wait to get started.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Brereton Diaz departed Ewood Park in the summerBrereton Diaz departed Ewood Park in the summer (Image: Camerasport)

He added: “I spoke to (Chris Wilder) on the phone and he was just saying what the team stands for – hard work, desire and stuff like that. It is something that I enjoy and wanted to be part of.

“It is great to come to the Premier League, it is something you dream of as a young boy.

“I will work as hard as I can to help the team out and enjoy myself, being back in England where my family and friends are.”

Although Brereton Diaz didn’t quite make the impact he would have wanted in La Liga over the past few months, the 24-year-old says he has still taken a lot from his introduction to Spanish football.

“Going over there has been great, I have been involved in some great games and experienced a different type of football,” he continued.

“I have learnt a lot in the six months I have been there, but now I am excited for this new challenge.”

The forward has also continued to represent Chile on the international stage, featuring in several World Cup qualifiers.

“Over the last few years, going over to Chile to play for the national team has been an amazing experience for me,” he smiled.

“I have played with and against some great players, and they are different experiences playing away in different countries. It is amazing going there and I love every minute of it.

“In La Liga, the training and the games were more technical so that is the part of my game that has been improved on. It has definitely improved me as a player, being around some great players.”

Brereton Diaz scored for Rovers in a 3-2 defeat at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup quarter-final last season.

“I have played against Sheffield United quite a lot, scored a few goals and lost a few games against them,” he said.

“They were a great side when we were in the Championship. All I can remember is when I came to Bramall Lane to play, it was always a great atmosphere.”