Downes thrilled to continue journey with Saints
Flynn Downes feels Southampton is the perfect place for him to continue his journey in football, as he reflected on signing a four-year contract with the club.
The 25-year-old midfielder completed a permanent move to Saints from West Ham this week, following a season-long loan spell in which he played a key role in the team's promotion back into the Premier League.
For Downes, the chance to continue his development and his career at a place he feels is a perfect match for him is one that he was thrilled to be able to grab.
"It's so good, honestly," he said. "I can't put it into words. Everyone here is so special.
"Obviously, the style I play, I think everyone knows I love it. I spoke all last year about it, the way the gaffer wants to play. Playing with the boys as well, it was such a good year. It was so special, and I feel like we have been a good match. I feel like we both complement each other.
"I think coming here after that year, I feel like we're just picking up where we left off, and hopefully we can celebrate another successful year."
The connection Downes built over the course of the past 12 months with his teammates, the staff and supporters also played a big part in his desire to extend his time as a Saint.
"I'm so grateful for the support I got last year," he said. "As the season went on, I thought we all just got closer as a group. The fans, everything, you see it at West Brom at home, the playoff game, everyone was so together. So yeah, that was just a massive factor in why I really wanted to come back."
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