Julian Speroni is delighted to be back for pre-season training, even though leaving the warmer climate of Argentina’s winter for the delights of the British summer was not easy.

The Crystal Palace number one is still recovering from a broken finger sustained at the end of last season.

But, after a successful operation on Monday, the popular keeper is hoping to return to full training by the beginning of next week.

Speroni spent the close season back in Argentina with his family and friends and said it was good to go home.

He said: “I had a great time back at home with my family and friends.

“It was really nice. Even though it is winter over there, we had no rain and it was a lot warmer than it is in England.

“I was checking the forecasts on my phone and I couldn’t believe it.

“It is never nice when you have to leave home but as soon as I got back to training and saw the guys things go back to normal again.”

It will be the 33-year-old’s ninth season at Selhurst Park and the Argentinean is excited about the start of the new season.

He said: “We have been training this week and everyone seems really positive.

“It is just a case of getting through pre-season training and then getting the season properly under way.”

Speroni, who has won the player of the year award three times and is one of the senior squad members, stressed the importance of his role as a mentor for younger players.

He said: “I was lucky earlier on in my career to have a mentor when I was in Argentina.

“I know how important it is for the young kids to have someone to look up to.

“If I can give them advice about how to manage themselves in training and on and off the pitch then that is great. I think all senior pros should do it.”