SAINTS flop Florin Gardos has signed with Romanian side Craiova after the end of his St Mary’s contract.

Gardos spent four years at Saints but struggled for game time due to persistent injuries.

The defender made just 18 appearances in all competitions, which, when added up with his £30,000-a-week wages and £6m fee, came to an eye-watering £680,000 per game.

The 29-year-old was signed from Steaua Bucharest in 2014 but, this season, went back to Romania on the hunt for regular football with Universitatea Craiova on loan.

He made four appearances for Craiova before injuring himself again, rupturing a muscle in a 3-3 draw with Viitorul.

Gardos, who won a Cupa Romaniei with Craiova this term, has now signed on permanently at the Liga 1 outfit.

On Instagram, he wrote: “After a great few months at the club I decided to sign a new deal with @universitateacraiovaofficial, starting with the 1st of July. Thank you for the support!”

Jeremy Pied, who was also released by Saints after a two-year stay, had a heartfelt message for the St Mary’s faithful on his departure.

On Twitter, he said: “The @SouthamptonFC chapter is closing for me, I’m proud to say I’ve given everything for the red and white shirt, in any situation.

“Your support was massive and absolutely fantastic, thank you so much for that !

“I wish all the best to the Club and the Fans for the future ! #SaintsFC”