FORMER Saints defender Romain Perraud insisted he thinks "only good things" about the club despite his exit this summer.

The 26 year old Frenchman signed for Spanish side Real Betis permanently this summer despite Southampton's return to the Premier League.

Perraud had spent the 2023/24 season on loan at OGC Nice, where he mostly warmed the bench in a difficult return to his boyhood side.

Perraud made 60 appearances for Saints but the writing was on the wall during the last of those - the 3-1 defeat at Gillingham under Russell Martin. 

In a new interview with The Athletic, Perraud has opened up on his move and thanked Saints fans for their support.

He said: “I’m not a guy who will try and benefit from a situation. I was not here last year and Southampton had an unbelievable season.

Popular figure Romain Perraud netted five goals for the clubPopular figure Romain Perraud netted five goals for the club (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I had no relationship with the manager (Martin). I was not part of the promotion. I didn’t want to be here and try to benefit from the promotion.

"My time was finished and I needed to write a new book. I was at Southampton for two years and at the end of my second season, I fractured my foot against Bournemouth.

"I came back to training at the end of July and then was trying to come back into the squad. A new manager was here and he brought in a new full-back from Swansea.

"I thought it was a signal that the club didn’t want me and it was time to change direction," Perraud said. 

Martin had brought Swansea defender Ryan Manning with him to St Mary's, having signed the Republic of Ireland international on a free transfer.

Perraud was sure that he would exit Saints permanently this summer even before they won 1-0 against Leeds United in the Championship play-off final.

Perraud explained: “My agent Raquel informed me about interest from different clubs before the game. “The best way was to decide to leave.

"For the club, it was important to let me go for a good price. Personally, it was a good feeling because I left in a good way.

“It was the best option possible. I only think good things about Southampton because my time there was unbelievable.

"It was a kind and happy relationship, so I followed the team throughout last season, watching their style, how they played and, of course, that match at Wembley.

"I could leave knowing Southampton was back where it belonged."