Schneiderlin seals Saints future

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has signed a contract extension with the club which will keep him at St Mary’s until 2017.

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has signed a contract extension with the club which will keep him at St Mary’s until 2017.

The 23-year-old joined the Saints in 2008, and has since accumulated 185 appearances during his four years at the club, scoring seven goals.

The Frenchman has had an impressive season so far, gaining recognition for his defensive displays, notching up the highest amount of tackles in the Premier League with 102, and he has also made the most interceptions of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.

The defensive midfielder expressed his delight at extending his contract for another four years and that the club’s ambition for the future is very exciting.

“I am a very happy man,” Schneiderlin told the club’s official website.

“To commit my future to Southampton is a big thing because this club has big ambitions – and I have big ambitions as well.

“I wouldn’t have signed this contract if the club didn’t have a big project. When I spoke to the chairman and the manager, I knew they wanted to do something very good at this club and I want to be a part of that.

“My main focus now is to do a great job on the pitch so we achieve all of the ambitions that we have.”

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino also revealed his delight at tying down the player to a long-term deal and believes he will grow to become one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League.

Saints manager Pochettino added: “I am delighted that the club has been able to extend Morgan’s contract.

“During my short time with Southampton, Morgan has shown what a capable player he is and has demonstrated his potential to become one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders.

“His work rate and determination make him an integral part of how we play, and so I am pleased he has been rewarded with a new long-term deal.

“Morgan has played a major part in the journey this club has been on over the past four years, and I am sure he will continue to develop as a player as we move towards our long-term ambitions.”