Adam Lallana has made an honest claim about his playing years, and fans will be reminded of Jack Stephens.
It's not just a Southampton thing, but fans often misread club returns irrespective of who is involved. They are celebrated in the initial days because the masses get to see a fan favourite back in action in the same shirt they longed for, but they never consider they are welcoming a different player altogether.
In the case of near age-30 ones, the player in question had become a shadow of himself. No disrespect to their talent, but even all-timers can find it hard to recreate the magic that once came to them like second nature.
And what stings is the tight-lipped stance from both the homecoming heroes as well as the fans. Both of them accept the age factor and fitness struggles catching up, but no one dares to admit it in public.
During Adam Lallana's scenario, both parties did their best to continue their reunion until they could, without complaining. But now, that phase is a thing of the past, and Lallana has opened up on one of his biggest asked career questions.
Speaking to Southampton's media, the Daily Echo quoted Lallana saying: "I think a few people have said, 'Do you regret it?' And it's definitely no. It felt right. I felt like I got two or three years extra out of myself, I think."
Stephens must avoid giving fans reasons to ask for retirement
Honestly, his consistent performances started to fade out in those seasons but the bigger concern for Southampton fans is his relatively younger counterpart Jack Stephens doing the same. Though Stephens never walked away on a permanent transfer but tracing his steps back to St. Mary's two years back, has flattered to convince fans that was a good call.
Then, another time for Stephens to bow down as a Saint was this June but him and the club decided to add another possible promotion to his lengthy Southampton journey. Hopefully, that comes but as of now, the 31-year-old has looked off the pace in preseason games.
There's a whole lot of centre-backs waiting to claim his spot, so, Stephens must challenge himself to retain his place due to his defensive knack instead of solely his experience. Else, the St. Mary's may ask him to listen Adam Lallana's words and brainstorm upon the retirement question.