Ralph Hasenhüttl didn’t include Wesley Hoedt in his plans at Southampton, which is why the defender had to go out on loan since the start of 2019.
After a temporary spell at Celta Vigo, the Saints allowed the centre-back to spend last season on loan at Royal Antwerp.
The 26-year-old’s performances for the Belgian side attracted attention from several sides, including Club Brugge, while Antwerp were keen on retaining him.
On transfer deadline day, the Netherlands international moved to Lazio on season-long loan deal and the Serie A side retain an option to make his transfer permanent.
Simone Inzaghi’s side host Club Brugge in a crucial Champions League tie on Tuesday and Lazio need to avoid a defeat in order to qualify for the next round of the competition.
Het Nieuwsblad had an opportunity to interview the Southampton owned player and asked if he liked the possibility of joining Club Brugge in the last window.
“Because it was not feasible financially. But also, because I am very popular with Antwerp fans. And Antwerp and Brugge, that’s a thing. Anderlecht was also interested. That pleased me, it shows that I have [had] a very good time. I left a good impression in Belgium. But I’ll say it: Antwerp stole a bit of my heart.”
Hoedt detailed why he couldn’t return to Antwerp, even though he was happy with his time there.
“That was certainly an option. I must honestly say that I was willing to give up some [part of my salary], because there was a great will to stay,” he explained.
“I felt great there and my girlfriend (Dutch singer Emma Heesters) is from Zeeland and lived nearby. So, I spoke with Antwerp and Southampton to finalise the deal. But the difference turned out to be too great.
“And in the end – as I said – it was my ambition to return to a top competition. If a club comes up that has even more to offer sportingly, as a top athlete – and certainly with the qualities that I have – you just have to go for it. And finally, Lazio came, where I played for two years before.”
The Dutchman has 11 appearances for the Rome club and he’s satisfied with his performances for Lazio this season. 
“Certainly. I feel good. Very good. When I signed here, I was immediately thrown in after eight months without football,” the defender added.
“And so far, I was allowed to participate in all the important matches – hopefully against Brugge too. I still have a way to go, but I am glad that I am playing in a top competition again. At Antwerp I always insisted that I wanted to move up higher again.”
