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Southampton: Bertrand confirms desire to finish career/coach with Saints

By Marc Walker

Southampton's English defender Ryan Bertrand controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 19, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's English defender Ryan Bertrand controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 19, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has confirmed his desire to finish his career with the club and potentially move into a coaching role at St Mary’s.

The England international’s association with Saints is now at six years and reports have stated that he may be close to signing a contract extension in the near future.

Now Bertrand himself has given the clearest indication of where he wants to be and where he sees his career going.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, the 31-year-old said:

"“Definitely, I want to stay. That’s my thought process.“I see myself staying here and it would be great to be part of this club for the long haul.“I’ve been here so long. I have still got plenty of years left in me. And to go beyond that and possibly work for the club even after football.”"

Ryan Bertrand and Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ryan Bertrand and Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Having originally come in as Luke Shaw’s replacement, Bertrand has been an excellent and consistent presence for Saints in the ups and downs since.

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He has come in for some criticism from supporters at times but there are many reasons for that.

Bertrand is a good attacker and a good defender, whereas many other full-backs may be excellent at one of those factors. He is receiving praise for his displays now in a successful team, but his displays were not appreciated when Saints were struggling under the likes of Claude Puel, Mauricio Pellegrino and Mark Hughes.

From what has been said in the recent past too, the experience that he brings to the squad is very valuable at the moment. As a Champions League winner and a former England regular, he will be passing his knowledge and guiding the likes of Jake Vokins who is lined up to be the next senior left-back.

Keeping the dynamics that are seen in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s group will be on the club’s mind right now so more contract extensions will be crucial in the next few months.

Players like Bertrand, James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu and Theo Walcott – who looks more and more likely to sign permanently by the week – are the experienced core that will help the younger players reach their full potential.

Next. Saints will be without key man for Fulham clash. dark

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