Rovers first signing of the closed season, Marc De Val Fernandez, took time out of his pre-season preparations to take part in a short Q&A session.
Although the former Real Madrid man has limited English, doncasterroversfc.co.uk caught up with him to ask a few short questions...
Where were you born?
Where were you born?
I am from Blanes near Girona on the Costa Brava in Catalonia
Where did your footballing career start?
I started with RCD Espanyol, who play in Barcelona. I was there as a young player (10) from 2000 to 2009, then I was transferred to Real Madrid. I joined Olimpic de Xativa for the 2012-2013 season in the Spanish Segunda B.
How do you describe yourself as a footballer?
I can play in midfield or defence and even at centre half. I am a sort of box to box player who can make long passes to the forwards and can turn defence into attack.
What was it like playing for Real Madrid?
They are a big club and it is intense there with a strict regime. I played centre half, centre midfield and behind the midfield. It was hard work but I have learnt from my time there; they expect excellence so you have to work hard day in day out. I am proud to have played for one of the world’s top clubs.
Did you train or play with the first team at Real Madrid?
Yes, on a weekly basis we would train at least twice with the first team. This was a great experience for a young footballer to be involved with all the big name players. I learned a lot about playing the way they do which will be very useful for me in my career. They train and coach players to be very technical with passing and movement off the ball. I hope I can bring that to Doncaster Rovers.
What made you want to come to England?
Paul Dickov gave me the opportunity to come here to play my football and I like England a lot. As soon as Paul asked me I did not hesitate one minute to come to Doncaster to play. I like the commitment and the players who are here and I feel what I have leant at Real Madrid will be helpful in getting Rovers up the league.
What do you think about Doncaster Rovers, the training and the stadium?
Doncaster Rovers is great club with everything in place to compete and be a solid team in the Championship. The club and everyone are working hard to be successful this coming year and I want to be part of that. The stadium is a fine one where I feel I can play some good football. I cannot wait to be involved in games here in front of the fans.