RISING star Tino Livramento admitted Chelsea would always have “a special place in my heart” but insisted his full focus would be on improving his game at Saints.

The talented 18-year-old made his return to Stamford Bridge as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men were beaten 3-1 against the Blues on Saturday.

Livramento came through the youth ranks with Chelsea before signing a five-year-deal at Saints back in August.

And while he admits a return to face the European champions was a “huge thing”, the Croydon-born full-back insisted he was relishing the opportunities which were presented to him at St Mary’s.

Asked what it was like for him to feature at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Livramento said: “It was a huge thing. Growing up a Chelsea fan, you had dreams and aspirations of playing at Stamford Bridge.

“No matter what team I play for, to come back here is always going to be good, a special moment. I was happy to be involved.

“It has been a whirlwind two months coming here (to Saints) and playing in most of the games.

“I have just got to take every day as it comes, relish the opportunities and the chances and I am looking forward to improving.

“I loved every moment of my time at Chelsea. I am always going to be a fan and they have always got a special place in my heart but I am at Southampton now, I am just looking forward to kicking on and helping the team.”

Livramento earned Saints a passage back into the contest on Saturday when he advanced forward from right-back to draw a foul from Ben Chilwell in the second half.

James Ward-Prowse stepped up to make it 1-1 for the visitors, but after he was sent off, Saints were left to ponder defeat.

Giving his thoughts on the game as a whole, Livramento said: “It wasn’t our best first half but I felt like we came out in the second half and showed good character to get back into the game being more aggressive.

“We got the penalty and took it. The red card happened but there was nothing we could do, we are an aggressive team, we always like being on the front foot and I felt like that coming changed the momentum of the game a bit.

“We conceded a few goals that maybe you don’t concede on another day but we have just got to build on it.”

Speaking about the penalty incident, the talented teenager added: “I was going to go across him with my left foot but I thought I would cut back onto my right. As soon as I felt the contact, I just went down and knew it was a penalty straight away.

“I was happy with my involvement in that but there is still plenty of things I need to work on in my game and I am just looking forward to doing that.”

Livramento is now set to join up with the England under-21 squad for fixtures against Slovenia and Andorra.