Ryan Bertrand could be about to bring an end to speculation over his future beyond this season after the Southampton full-back confirmed his intention to stay at St Mary’s.
There had been some concerns that the 31-year-old could bring an end to a seven-year stint on the south coast, during which time he has amassed 223 appearances to date, but his current deal expires in the summer.
However, in an interview with BBC Solent (via Hampshire Live), the 2012 Champions League winner was buoyant about remaining a Saint, saying.
I want to stay at the club. I want to be part of this and to keep going and to keep developing. I want to see how far we can go. We can do some great things.
I love being here. I have grown on the field, off the field and I’ve learned a lot of things. We’re now at a stage where we were during my first three years here. There was a bit of turbulence but now we’ve got it back.
Bertrand has been a key figure in the turnaround in fortunes at the club under Ralph Hasenhuttl after he was sent off early in the 0-9 horror show against Leicester last season. He has started all but one Premier League game in the current campaign, with the Saints currently seventh in the table.
The ex-Chelsea man spoke excitedly about the current mood in the St Mary’s camp, saying: ”The seatbelts are fully fastened now, let’s see how far we go.”
READ SOUTHAMPTON VERDICT
Things are looking rosy at Southampton right now and unwarranted departures or wrangling over contracts are unnecessary distractions which could disrupt the harmony.
Furthermore, Bertrand deserves an extended stay – after an up-and-down start to life with the Saints as he admits, this season he has been in superb form.
