Ryan
Bertrand has described his move to Southampton as the "perfect match" after
making his St Mary's switch from Chelsea permanent.
Bertrand has impressed on the south coast since joining the Saints,
initially on loan, last summer and was thrilled to complete a permanent move
on Monday's closing day of the winter transfer window.
“I wanted to sign and commit somewhere instead of carrying on doing loans.
When I had the chance to sign here, it was the perfect match,” the left-back
told Southampton’s website.
"I have really enjoyed my time here in the first half of the season and I'm
delighted to make it permanent.
"Whether I'm on loan or permanent, I will give 100 per cent, no problem, but
moving here gives me added incentive as well.
"Finally I can say this is my club and I'm proud to do that. The work starts
here and I'm really looking forward to it."
Bertrand hopes to be successful individually and with Saints.
"I want to keep progressing as a footballer," he added.
"Hopefully we can progress as a team and go on to achieve some really great
things. It's no fluke where we are in the league at the minute.
"We're playing to the best of our ability and striving to become better
players. If we all maintain our hard work we can only go forward as a club."
Bertrand won the 2012 Champions League on his European debut with Chelsea
and has earned England recognition, but found first-team opportunities
limited at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old added: "I have very fond memories of Chelsea. I have a lot
of people to thank at the club having been there since the age of 15. The
fans were fantastic with me there from day one.
"We had a fantastic relationship so from that aspect it was hard, but to
finally get to a team that I can say is mine and my own is a really big
positive for me on a personal level.
"There's not one reason in particular why this was the club for me. The
stability of the club and from what the owners are thinking right down to
youth level is clear, honest and transparent.
"It's very important that the club shares the same ambition as the players.
They are forward thinking, so are we as players, together that makes us a
really strong unit.
"Everyone is pulling in the right direction and I wanted to be part of
that."
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