Kepa Arrizabalaga says that he learned from the fight with Maurizio Sarri

When Kepa Arrizabalaga reflects on his first season at Chelsea and the biggest difference between London and his life in the Basque Country, he tackles the gloom.

"I'm used to rain," says Kepa. "It's raining a lot in Bilbao, so it was not so bad, but the biggest event was in the winter, when the night falls so quickly."

He welcomed the change of seasons. Spring allowed him to go out and enjoy the fresh air. As a child, he spent hours in the northern hills of Spain to "walk with the birds" and he is not one to stay locked up for long.

The pbadage of winter also helped to remove it from the storm that erupted during the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Ten weeks have pbaded since he refused to be replaced, coaching Maurizio Sarri in sharp anger and letting veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero fumble.

Kepa, 24, was fined by Chelsea and dropped out for a match. Statements have been published, but he is finally able to reflect and put this down to his lack of experience.

"It was news all over the world," Kepa said with a slight nod and a sheepish smile.

"People talked about it and spoke badly. It is normal for people to talk. My dad spoke to me after our return home, but he did not need much to tell me. At that time, I realized what I had done and there was not much left to say.

"It was a difficult week. It happened Sunday. On Wednesday, I did not play against Tottenham, and then I went back to play against Fulham.

"I accepted the words of the manager and the club, and realized that I would not be playing in the next game. I was right behind Willy and supported him, as well as the team, as much as I could.

"Of course, that was the only thing I could do. It's something I've done in the heat of the moment. It's something I'm not very proud of.

"It's a difficult moment from which I have learned the lessons and I still learn from them. Now it's time for me to look forward.

"I said I was sorry. Football continues. We all make mistakes.

The match ended in a draw and a draw against the Chelsea goaltender who twice called for treatment for what Sarri thought was a cramp.

The manager decided to replace him and prepared Caballero, but Kepa made it clear that he was not hurt and that he did not want to withdraw before the shooting.

After all, he had been the hero against Tottenham in the semifinals when he had saved Lucas Moura in the same situation.

It was only later that he realized how much all this looked like to be watched by those watching the finale. It did not help when City won the trophy.

"The only thing I wanted to say was that I was not hurt and that I could continue," Kepa said. "I did not think about sanctions.

"I was not totally aware of everything that had happened.

"It's only when I looked back for the first time at the images I made." I saw it from a different point of view. Until then, it was like I was in a bubble and I was not aware of what was going on.

"I started seeing everything when I first came home and saw the video.

"It was the first time I realized what had happened. I learned a lesson and next time it will be different. When I am asked to change, I will change.

The most expensive goalkeeper of the world was born and raised in the Basque fishing village of Ondarroa, halfway between Bilbao and San Sebastian.

He joined the famous academy of the Bilbao Athletic Club at the age of nine and was training with four friends. He traveled together 45 minutes to the Basque city until four times a week.

"My village was made up of both Athletic and Real Sociedad supporters," says Kepa. "People support one or the other. I have chosen from an early age to support Athletic and it is there that I started playing as a kid.

"Then I would make the trip to Bilbao with friends by bus or taxi because my father worked and the club put in transport.

"It was like that until I grew up and went through different age groups.

"I do not think I had a future as a fisherman. If I was not a player, I would have worked in the sport, like a physio. I had started a university course, a training for sport and fitness.

His parents travel to London to see almost every home game.

"They are on the road and have traveled a lot," he says. "It has also been a big change for them to have their son here.

Kepa practiced pelota as a traditional Basque sport when he was young and spent much of his free time walking with his father, catching goldfinches to keep them in cages.

At Chelsea, he discovered that Paulo Ferreira, the former Portuguese back, who is now part of the coaching staff, had the pleasure of doing the same when he was a kid.

"It was allowed at that time," says Kepa. "People often kept birds at home, at least one or two birds. My father liked to keep them.

"I would go with him to the mountains. I've always liked being in harmony with nature. Be outside, walk and be with the birds. It's a healthy interest and a hobby. Because of football, it's not something I can do as often as before. & # 39;

At the age of 16, he is part of the first track and field team and is learning with coaches such as Marcelo Bielsa. He was an unused substitute for two La Liga matches in 2012 before spending 18 months on loan in second division with Ponferradina and Real Valladolid.

It is Ernesto Valverde, now Barcelona manager, who made him his debut for Athletic against Deportivo La Coruna in September 2016, at the age of 21. The following year, his debut in Spain is against Costa Rica.

Kepa was in Frankfurt to prepare for the first leg of the Europa League semifinal of Chelsea when he learned with concern that Iker Casillas had suffered a heart attack while He was training with Porto.

"I hope it was nothing more serious than a fear and a warning," he says. "I send him huge wishes from here for a quick and complete recovery. We play football but we are human beings and your personal health is the most important thing.

"I crossed the ranks of young people just as Iker was at its peak. He was one of the best in the area and it was such a shock.

"I've never really had an idol because there were several of them. I would study all the goalkeepers: Victor Valdes, Casillas and Pepe Reina, Petr Cech. I took small things that I liked at different goalies and tried to incorporate them into my game, whether they were the best goalkeepers or of a lower level. & # 39;

Manchester United's David de Gea has warned him of what to expect when he arrives in England last summer, after Chelsea agreed to pay £ 71 million to Athletic. gave a seven-year contract.

"I have often spoken to De Gea on the national team," said Kepa. He arrived without saying a word and admits that he is not the most conscientious of students, but he uses it and takes the language and promises to work harder next year. .

"He told me that his first season in England was tough in all respects, it's still quite difficult. Change always takes a little time and effort. Change is always difficult. The style of football in the league is different from the one played in Spain.

"It's what I've noticed the most. It's more physical, the referees give up a lot more and allow a lot more contact here. Before coming here, I had my routine exercises at the gym and a plan I followed. I did not have to change it a lot.

Kepa flexed his biceps and smiled. He is a pleasant company without leaving any trace of the arrogance that implied his refusal to leave the Wembley field, destined to become the image of his first season at Chelsea.

There is still time to leave another imprint on the season. Sarri's team is at home against Watford on Sunday as she tries to get fourth in the Premier League and return to the Champions League next season.

There would also be another cup final on the horizon if they can finish the match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday after the 1-1 draw against Germany this week.

"It's our goal," says Kepa. & # 39; To finish in the top four, to reach the final of the Europa League and win a trophy. We know it is not easy but it would be a good first season.

"It was great. It's a change, everything is different, a new country, a new league, a new team, but that has allowed me to take a step forward in my career and that's why I'm getting I am committed to signing for Chelsea for so many years.

"I'm really happy with the way things started. I'm trying to adapt it and it's something I have to keep doing. & # 39;

Kepa supports the Chelsea Foundation and the Asian Star event at Stamford Bridge on May 18th. This free event is designed to boost Asian football participation with spots still available for boys and girls ages 9-12. chelseafc.com.