Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez thinks he has evolved into a better player since joining the San Siro club last August.
The once-capped Spain international arrived from Real Madrid and made 28 Serie A appearances last season, as Milan limped to a 10th-placed finish.
Despite a disappointing campaign for the club as a whole, Lopez insists he has enjoyed his time in Italy.
"Milan is a great club and the city respects the players' privacy," he said. "It is important for me to lead a normal life away from the pitch.
"The Rossoneri fans allow me to do so even though I have no problem signing autographs and posing for photos.
"This allows me to get on with my work and I feel better like that.
"Every year I feel better from a physical point of view.
"In my role I count much on experience and mental strength - two qualities that accumulate over time, match after match."
