Gabbiadini says his still watches his Southampton goals on his phone

When it comes to being a striker at Southampton, the last few years have not been particularly good.

The Saints have regularly spent big money on signings from abroad, hoping that one of them will become the star striker they need.

Most of them have fallen short, think Guido Carrillo, while others have offered brief signs of promise before sadly falling away. Manolo Gabbiadini falls into the latter category.

The Italian arrived at Saint Mary’s on deadline day of the 2017 January transfer window and was an instant hit at the club, bagging four goals in the Premier League and two in a League Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

Just six more goals followed in two years before he eventually returned to Sampdoria in January this year.

He recently sat down for an interview with Ita Sport Press and discussed his time at Southampton, opening up on why he made the move and how he still watches those final goals on his phone from time to time.

“It was a lifestyle choice,” he explained.

“I moved with my family. New football, new city, new culture. It was another important step in my career.

“Arriving and, after a month, playing a final, at Wembley, against Mourinho’s United was incredible.

“I also scored a double; too bad I didn’t win it. But it was beautiful. I see the two goals once in a while on my smartphone.”