DEFENDER Yukinari Sugawara admitted he is excited to work with Saints boss Russell Martin after completing a switch from AZ Alkmaar.

The Japanese right-back has signed a four-year contract at St Mary's after making the move in a deal reportedly worth £6million. 

He becomes the latest defensive addition to Martin's side ahead of Southampton's return to the Premier League.

After five seasons in the Eredivisie, Sugawara is looking forward to testing himself in the Premier League.

In his first interview with Saints, the 13-time Japan international revealed he has a good feeling about working with Martin this season.

"He is a handsome guy. He has a good beard. I want to be like him after my football career. I want to get a nice long beard," Sugawara joked.

"He is a really nice guy. We spoke about football things and life in Southampton. I have a good feeling and can't wait to work with him.

"I started (pre-season training) one week ago with AZ, but in my head, I was just thinking about moving to Southampton.

"I have trained for this transfer. I am here and I am ready. I am really excited, maybe I can run 100 kilometres now," he quipped.

Sugawara has already made his St Mary's debut while playing a pre-season friendly for AZ Alkmaar ahead of last season.

The 24 year old made 198 appearances at AZ, including 34 in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

He could stand to make his first appearance in the red and white of Southampton on Friday, July 19, when Saints face Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium.

Saints are set to play further pre-season friendlies against Bordeaux (July 24), Montpellier (July 27), Oxford United (July 31) and Millwall (August 3).