Fraser insists Southampton promotion is best of his career

The 30 year old was twice promoted with former club AFC Bournemouth, going from League One to the top division.

Fraser was later Bournemouth's player of the season during the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, before departing in 2020.

The diminutive winger made 42 appearances for Saints this season and was a man-of-the-match contender against Leeds at Wembley. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Fraser said: "It's probably the best feeling I've had in my career.

Loanee Ryan Fraser wants to return to St Mary's next season (Image: PA)

"Obviously, I have had other promotions, but this one doesn't come close. This is by far the best feeling I've ever had.

"I've said it for so long now but it's just the family, spirits, fans, gaffer, lads - I could just keep going and it's just, yeah, no better feeling.

"A lot was riding up onto this game and the lads were brilliant, just defending for our lives and showing a different side of us." 

He continued: "I think we just push each other through it. And just the lads that we are, we're just so close.

Ryan Fraser and Sam Edozie sprint back onto the Wembley pitch at the final whistle (Image: PA/Nick Potts)

"The gaffer said it in the changing room, just what the lads have probably had as a team the last couple of seasons to what we are now.

"We've got no bad eggs. Everyone's top, top people. Top players as well, but top people before that." 

Saints are attempting to land Fraser permanently from Newcastle United, with one year left on his current deal up north.

Advanced work has been done to keep the former Scotland international at St Mary's but agreement for his release must be met. 

Fraser has a house in Bournemouth while his partner is from Winchester, making Saints a perfect base for the former Aberdeen man.

Asked if he will be a Saints player next season, Fraser laughed as he responded: "I'll try my best."