The midfielder says he was “disappointed” not to be granted his wish to leave the club but now accepts the decision, thanking the club for helping him break into the France squad

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has shed light on the transfer saga that overshadowed his summer.

The France international was heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s with Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all interested in the central midfielder, but Southampton stood firm, blocking a proposed exit.

And although the 24-year-old says he was ‘disappointed’ not to be allowed to leave the club, he has accepted the decision.

He told RMC: “My situation was simple: at the end of the season my goal was to take the next step and join a club playing in the Champions League or the Europa League.

“There were offers on the table but Southampton made a clear choice, which was to keep me after the departure of certain players. They look to me for the future.

“I was ‘blocked’ but I must accept that because I have three years remaining on my contract. I could not afford to make a fuss and not play. I owe a lot to Southampton, who enabled me to make the France national team.

“I could not afford to go and clash with supporters who have always been cool with me. It would not have cool for me to end up in an endless showdown.”

And though Schneiderlin had his heart set on a move, infamously tweeting “6 years of an amazing journey DESTROYED in 1 hour!!!”, he puts his inclusion in the France national team down to his time on the south coast.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he added: “I will continue working with my club. Even though I was a little disappointed not to be able to leave this summer, I know it’s part of football.

“Southampton did everything to keep me and they also made some nice signings.

“It is thanks to them that I got into the French team, and now I have to focus on Southampton so I can be selected regularly.”