James Ward-Prowse revealed his pride after signing a new long-term contract with Southampton Football Club.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been with the club since the age of eight, and over the last three seasons has become a key figure in the first team at St Mary’s.
His form this season has seen him rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal, keeping him with the club until 2020, and the midfielder says there were never any doubts about committing his future to Saints.
Speaking to Southampton’s official YouTube channel, Ward-Prowse said: “[The new contract] means everything to me. The club have always done their all for me to make sure I develop not only into a good footballer but a good person and I’m very thankful for that.
“My family have been great in supporting me, the club have been great, and all the coaching staff and all the fans have too. This is the right place to be. The club is still going in great places and I want to be part of that.
“The club can definitely make me a better player. I’ve been here since a very young age and they’ve improved me every year. It’s a lot of faith they’ve put in me to put me on the Premier League and first-team stage at a very young age.
“The fans have been great making sure I feel welcome in that environment, it’s time to pay them back and I can’t wait to play against Swansea City on Sunday.”
Buzzing to sign a new contract at @SouthamptonFC. We are on a great journey and I'm excited for the coming years(1/2) pic.twitter.com/4b8ERZyzyM
— James Ward-Prowse (@Prowsey16) January 30, 2015
The club put their faith in me at a young age, I can't wait to pay that faith back to the club and YOU the fans 👊 #saintsfc#WeMarchOn (2/2)
— James Ward-Prowse (@Prowsey16) January 30, 2015
Walking out at St Mary’s in something Ward-Prowse says is that bit more special for a player who has been with the club for over ten years, and progressed through the Academy.
“It is [more special] but I feel like I’ve deserved going out there because I’ve worked very hard ever since I came to the club,” he added. “They are great moments when we score goals and win great games.
“The fans are with us and they sing my name, it’s a good feeling and I want it to continue.”
Ward-Prowse has also been pleased with the role manager Ronald Koeman has played in helping him develop since he arrived at Saints in the summer. “He’s bringing the confidence out of everyone,” Ward-Prowse explained.
“We had a lot of confidence last year but the freedom that he’s given everyone and the way he manages players is really good. That’s been helpful to everyone who has been involved under his management.”
Ward-Prowse’s new deal keeps him tied to the club until 2020, and while he says he has already been on a journey with Saints, he’s looking forward to what lies around the corner.
“I’ve been on a fantastic journey, the club has too, and it’s great to extend my stay. I’m really excited for the next few years,” added Ward-Prowse.
“You only have to look at the players we’ve produced over the last few years to see it is the right place. There’s not many clubs in the country, or the world, who give young players the chance to play in the biggest league in the world.
“I’m very fortunate that I’ve been given that chance and now it’s time to repay the faith that the club have shown in me.”
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