RALPH Hasenhuttl admits enjoying some “fights” with departing Nathan Redmond due to the player’s strong opinions, and paid tribute to his six-year stay at Saints.

The 28-year-old has today completed a permanent transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas, signing a one-year deal in the continent.

Redmond’s exit comes as he entered the final year of his Saints contract, only picking up one minute of gametime so far this campaign.

The former Norwich City man had been at the club even longer than Hasenhuttl himself, and is credited by teammates as a big voice in the dressing room.

Speaking about his exit, Hasenhuttl said: “I think it is a good change for him, I think it was after six years maybe time to try something new for him.

“We had a fantastic time together in three-and-a-half years, or nearly four years, with a lot of very good moments and some also not so good ones.

“Absolutely had a very good relationship with him until the end, and even there he has showed his professionalism in such moments.

“I am really looking forward to seeing him score goals there and playing big games, we all go forward and have changes in life, it is a big change for him but I think he made a good choice.”

Redmond had become a polarising character amongst the Saints fanbase, despite his continued service to the group and loyalty to his young teammates.

Asked about the way he was perceived by supporters in the final seasons of his Saints career, Hasenhuttl continued: “He is the kind of footballer that splits the opinions of a group who watches him because he takes a lot of risks and takes the extra passes around the box.

“This goes hand-in-hand to lose the ball, but we had a fantastic time together. We had also some fights together, this is normal and he is a player with a strong opinion.

“I like those arguments and I like to discuss with players that have different views on things.

“In the end, I think it is situation for him that with new players coming in it is difficult to play in the squad, he looked for a new challenge. He will go his own way and is a grown player with a lot of experience, he can have a big impact there.”

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