Southampton attacker Sofiane Boufal has expressed his delight at scoring the decisive goal on his first start for the club and has praised the medical team for their efforts since his arrivals.

It’s a beautiful goal and I’m so happy to score my first goal at St Mary’s. I want to say thank you for the support of all the fans who came today.  I’m so happy to play 90 minutes as it’s good for the confidence and for my body. It’s a great night for me!

Speaking to the club’s official website after the game against Sunderland, Boufal stated that he was “so happy” to have scored the winner in Saints’ EFL Cup fourth round clash against The Black Cats, sending them through to the quarter finals of the competition.

The spirit is very strong. My teammates are so happy for me because they see me come into the club when I couldn’t play.

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Boufal played the full 90 minutes last night and capped a promising performance with a wonder goal. He picked the ball out of the air on the edge of the box before cutting in on his right foot and curling a delicious strike around Jordan Pickford and into the top corner.

Now they see me score this goal and they’re happy for me so I’d like to say thank you to them and to all the medical staff.

The Morocco international played his first full match of senior football since his meniscus tear over months ago from his time at LOSC Lille.

The goal isn’t just for me it’s for everyone.