Incoming Saints defender Dejan Lovren says he cannot wait to link up with his new teammates – so much so that he intends to begin pre-season training early.
The First Team are due to return to Staplewood at the start of July, but Lovren, who signed from French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais yesterday, has other plans.
With his future settled barely a fortnight after his 2012/13 campaign came to an end, the Croatian says he is already mentally focused on his first season with Southampton.
"I think I will be here (in Southampton) a few days earlier than the others because I need to know the people, the town and the players," affirmed the 23-year-old in his first interview with Saints Player.
"It's important for me to have my future resolved because I am a young player, and I want to know where I will be playing. It was important for me to know that now.
"This was my decision to take, and I think it's a good choice. I think it will be great."
Lovren arrives at St Mary's with a growing reputation as one of the most exciting young defenders currently plying their trade in Europe.
But, for those have not followed his career with Dinamo Zagreb, Lyon and the Croatia national team, how would Dejan describe himself?
"I am aggressive, but a positive aggressive," he says. "I'm not a player who will tackle somebody to break their leg!
"I want to play, and I've spoken a lot about that with the coach. I know that the team likes to play, and I think I am right for this team."
Click here to watch Dejan Lovren's exclusive first interview on Saints Player