Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has allayed fears that he could leave the club this summer.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the experienced left-back spoke about a number of things, including his recent snub from England’s 23-man World Cup squad.
Bertrand then fielded questions about his future, amid claims that he could be set to depart St Mary’s Stadium this summer.
The former Chelsea man has been linked with moves to clubs such as Newcastle, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in recent months, but his focus remains on the task at hand with Southampton.
There is paper-talk. It is flattering but it is not the reality. I am a Southampton player.
This summer, I will be watching the World Cup and cheering on the England team. But I will be working on myself, getting fitter. I want to prove my competitive side, go out and show again I am up there with the best.
Bertrand came under fire from sections of the Saints fan-base last season but it seems he remains committed to the cause on the South Coast.
The defender will be looking to prove England manager Gareth Southgate wrong in the upcoming season as he looks set to lead Southampton into the 2018/19 campaign.
