NEW Saints forward Ben Brereton Diaz admitted his successful loan spell at Sheffield United served as motivation for a permanent return to English football this summer.

Brereton Diaz, 25, hit six goals in 14 Premier League appearances for the Blades last season having joined the relegation-threatened side in January.

Now in the Premier League on a permanent basis with Saints, the Chile international wasted no time grabbing his maiden St Mary's goal.

Five minutes into his first start since joining from Villarreal, Brereton Diaz put Southampton ahead in a pre-season friendly against Lazio.

He cut in from the left before whipping the ball into the bottom corner - as close to a trademark Brereton Diaz goal as you will see.

"I was just happy to start the game (against Lazio) and get some minutes under my belt. Goals are nice for me," he told the Daily Echo.

Ben Brereton Diaz marked his first Saints start with a goalBen Brereton Diaz marked his first Saints start with a goal (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I'm an attacking player. Scoring goals and creating chances is what I want to do. It was nice in front of the home fans.

"The six months at Sheffield United gave me more motivation to come back to England. I really enjoyed myself.

"I enjoyed it in Spain, but for me, what I wanted to do was come back to England. I'm happy to be here, and I'm happy to be with Southampton."

Brereton Diaz's switch to Saints has seen him link up with former Blackburn Rovers teammates Adam Armstrong and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

When Joe Rothwell joined Saints on loan last season, the former Rovers midfielder admitted that Armstrong had been "on the phone most days" asking for a transfer update.

READ MORE: Southampton loanee Joe Rothwell in brilliant Adam Armstrong admission

"That's upset me because he didn't really message me that much," Brereton Diaz quipped when asked if he got the same treatment from his fellow forward this summer.

"I'm only joking, Arma is a good lad. When he knew (I was coming) he messaged me. I've known Arma for quite a long time now.

"When you leave a club, sometimes you don't really speak to each other because that's football. It's hard to keep in contact with everyone.

"But me and Arma had a good relationship at Blackburn and we've stayed in touch. I'm happy to see Arma."

Ben Brereton Diaz played off the left against LazioBen Brereton Diaz played off the left against Lazio (Image: Stuart Martin)

Speaking to the Daily Echo last week, Armstrong admitted he believes that Brereton Diaz's tendency to cut in from the left will marry up well with his ability to drift across from the right.

Brereton Diaz was in agreement but pointed out he still needs to work on his understanding of Russell Martin's tactical demands. 

"The team is full of great players. Everyone's fighting for a position in the team and it's a really strong group. They did so well last season," he added.

"Obviously, I've played with Arma in the past, and we've got a good relationship. I'm happy to learn how it works.

"I'm just happy for the season to start and hopefully (I can) have a good season. I played off the left quite a bit for three years at Blackburn.

"I enjoyed coming in on my right foot and shooting or passing. I've been in that position a few times. I really enjoy it in that role. 

"Like I said, I'm just happy to get on the pitch with the lads. I'm still understanding in training what we have to do and stuff like that. It's been a good week for me."

"(The style) is different, but it's great. Looking at training, everyone knows their roles, and the way he (Martin) wants to play is really good and exciting. I'm just happy to be here and learn."