FORMER Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong says he is planning a St Mary's return to "say a proper goodbye" later this winter.

The 32 year old departed Saints on a free transfer at the end of his contract in June, after seven years and 214 appearances for the club.

Armstrong has landed a move to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps, where has signed a deal until 2026 on a potentially lucrative designated player contract.

Whitecaps look set to compete in this year's MLS play-offs, with just nine regular season matches to go before the title run-in.

Armstrong insists he is planning to return to St Mary's at the end of the campaign as he explained his move across the Atlantic Ocean.

In his first Whitecaps press conference, Armstrong said: "I’ll say a thank you to the fans of the clubs that I have been at for all the support they have given me.

"To not get a proper goodbye, things move fast at football. At Southampton, the season ends and suddenly you’re not there anymore.

"I hope to go back during the winter to speak to the staff who have looked after me for all these years, catch a game and say a proper goodbye."

He added: "I have had a daughter recently and in that short space of time, there has been a lot of movement.

"I ended my time at Southampton. Moving back to Scotland and having the Euros while not knowing our future.

"In her very young life, she has done a lot of travelling for a baby, she’s got more stamps in the passport than I do.

"It is not only a decision for me and a football perspective but it is a family decision and I felt that too," the Scotland international said. 

"I am used to the UK style of football in Scotland and England but you cannot play forever, so hopefully I can play for a few more years.

"At some point in my career, I always wanted to experience playing abroad - I didn’t know it would be this far away but I am excited."

Armstrong, who trained with Premier League Brentford at one point earlier in the summer, admitted he is not match-fit after two months without a club.

However, he hopes to build that fitness in matches. He could make his Whitecaps debut in the MLS fixture against FC Dallas on Sunday, September 8.