Ward-Prowse on emotional conclusion to the season
With their fate already sealed, Southampton concluded the season with an encouraging 4-4 draw with Liverpool at St Mary’s, leaving James Ward-Prowse to reflect on an afternoon full of emotion.
In a frantic affair that saw Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino score early on, Saints’ captain moved top of the club’s scoring charts for the season to reduce the deficit, before goals from Kamaldeen Sulemana either side of the break turned things around.
Adam Armstrong’s instant impact from the bench teased at a memorable comeback win, before Cody Gakpo and a second from Jota in the space of two minutes concluded a whirlwind afternoon as the hosts’ Premier League status officially came to an end.
Having received a rousing ovation when substituted late on, Ward-Prowse revealed his emotions on a difficult day.
“This is a club that’s meant a lot to me,” he said. “I’ve been here for 20 years now and had a fantastic journey and enjoyed every minute of it, and you never know what’s going to happen in the future.
“I come away from this season with my head held high knowing that I’ve done everything I can for this club, not only this year but ever since I came through the door as an 8-year-old. It’s been a fantastic time, so I’ll get away now and recharge the batteries.
“It’s a strange day because everything is kind of decided before the game. A strange day, one full of emotion for everybody I’m sure, and we know it's going to be a tough time for the club moving forward, but again, it doesn’t matter the result, this club has always got a good way of treating people. The so-called Southampton Way and we mustn’t lose that, that’s what the club’s about.”
Making his 409th appearance for the club, Ward-Prowse was proud to see Academy products Dominic Ballard and Sam Amo-Ameyaw, who became Saints’ youngest-ever player in the Premier League, begin their journeys in red and white.
“Again, it’s what the club is about, producing young players and giving them opportunities. To see the young lads come on and make an impact is a great sign for the future of the club.
“They’re good lads, have good heads on them and most importantly good quality and I’m sure they’ll be influential moving forward.”
