But after one season, the 28-year-old returned to the GUINNESS PRO12 outfit and made his return as a substitute in the 25-22 defeat to Ospreys on Saturday, having spent the previous few months with the Italy camp due to the World Cup.
McLean told Treviso's website: "I am very happy because I found a really great environment [when I returned to the club]; both teammates and the staff all have the same goals and the same desire to engage.
"I still have to learn about some of my team-mates, even away from the field, but I will do that soon.
"Playing at the Monigo is always beautiful and I want to thank our fans."
He added: "It is always difficult to deal with defeats, and I want to point out that no one likes to lose.
"On Monday in the meeting we realised our mistakes and how not to repeat them, but we must look ahead and forget what happened on Saturday."
Benetton Treviso travel to Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night searching for their first GUINNESS PRO12 win of the season, having picked up three bonus points in their opening four matches.
McLean started in all four of Italy's World Cup matches so he has no doubt he is fit enough to be included in the XV if selected at Rodney Parade.
The versatile back said: "Despite the commitments with the national team, I followed the games against Munster and against Edinburgh.
"In both we did see some good things and you have to start from there.
"Physically I'm fine as preparing for the World Cup is very challenging.
"During this week the effort was mainly a mental one because I had so many new patterns [to learn]."
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