The England international left St Mary’s to join the Reds in July in a £25m deal and is anticipating a hostile reception when he returns this weekend
Adam Lallana says he regrets the way in which his move from Southampton to Liverpool last summer “got nasty”.
The England midfielder came through the famed Saints academy and went on to become club captain, playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League.
His performances in 2013-14 led to interest from Brendan Rodgers’ side and a long and much-publicised pursuit eventually brought reward for the Reds in July, with the midfielder completing a £25 million (€34m) move, though he insists he never went on strike despite doing everything in his power to force through a move.
Lallana even took out a full page in the local newspaper after his exit to thank Southampton fans for their support during his time at the club, but he is not expecting a warm welcome when he takes to the field at St Mary’s this weekend, and admits he feels remorse for the way in which his move to Anfield was completed.
He told BBC Radio Solent: “I’m not stupid enough to think the way I left didn’t leave a sour taste in a few people’s mouths. I regret the way I left. I regret bits and pieces of how it happened and it got nasty. It was sad the way it happened.
“What is true is that when I knew of Liverpool’s interest and that they had put a bid in, I did say to the club it would be my wish if they could negotiate a fee for me to move on.
“Not for one second did I say I wouldn’t play for the club again. I’m man enough to say it was my choice and my decision for me to move on.
“Deep down I hope Saints fans appreciate the times we had at the club together. Football is a fickle game – if I do get the jeers and the boos I’m just going to take it as them missing me playing down there because I miss Southampton.
“I miss the fans and I miss the good times we had down there. Of course I do.”
Southampton sit fourth, four points ahead of Liverpool, and will be seeking revenge for their opening day loss at Anfield.
The attacker recently hinted at a return to Naples, but the Serie A side have no intention of making a move for the 29-year-old
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says Ezequiel Lavezzi can buy a house in Naples, but the club have no interest in re-signing him from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentina international left Napoli for PSG in the summer of 2012 after a successful five-year spell at the Stadio San Paolo, but he hinted earlier this week that he would be interested in a return to Italy.
However, De Laurentiis has stressed that Napoli do not need Lavezzi and have no intention of tabling a bid for the PSG forward.
“Why would we want to re-sign Lavezzi..,” the Napoli president asked when questioned about a potential transfer by Radio Marte.
“He’s doing pretty well for himself. He’s got money and if he wants to come back to Naples, then let him buy a house and live here.”
The 29-year-old is no longer an undisputed starter under PSG boss Laurent Blanc this term, making the starting XI just 10 times in Ligue 1 so far in 2014-15.
Lavezzi has a contract with the French champions until June 2016.
The striker has been afforded just seven Premier League starts this term, with the Ivorian’s arrival increasing the competition for places, but he is not thinking about leaving
Edin Dzeko insists his future lies at Manchester City despite the January arrival of Wilfried Bony.
The Premier League champions paid €36 million to sign the Ivorian striker from Swansea City, and Goal understands the future of the Bosnian, along with Stevan Jovetic, at the Etihad Stadium is in doubt.
Dzeko’s agent has previously spoken of a desire to move to Juventus or Atletico Madrid, but the striker is not interested in leaving the club.
“Every summer and winter I’m constantly linked with leaving City and I have been here for years now,” he told Patria. “I will not comment on speculation, because if I did I would have to spend all day doing it.
“I’ve said before and I will it say again, I am only focused on Manchester City and the national team. I am not interested in other speculation, it’s not worth bothering with.
“City is a team who wants to win as many trophies as possible so it is quite normal to have a big squad with new signings.
“I really like Bony because I know him from the Premier League, but we all have a place in the team. We will all get a chance to prove ourselves in the remaining games of the season.”
City are currently seven points behind Chelsea in the Premier League as they look to retain their title, but Dzeko is confident the squad are capable of ousting Jose Mourinho’s side from top spot.
“Our main goal is to retain the Premier League title. We were knocked out of the FA Cup, which was not in the plan, but we can overtake Chelsea because we are one of the best teams in England.”
City face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16, the side which knocked them out at the same stage last season, but Dzeko insists they are capable of inflicting revenge on the Catalans.
“I think we learned a lot from the two games against them last season. We were not outplayed – we conceded a goal in the final minutes in the first leg, and in the second we were a man down,” he said.
“Barcelona is a great team and are more experienced in the Champions League than us but I believe we have the strength to beat them.”
The midfielder could have moved to San Siro or La Liga side Sevilla but was swayed by the financial package put together by his new club
Mathieu Valbuena has revealed he turned down the chance to join AC Milan in the summer in favour of the riches on offer at Dinamo Moscow.
The 30-year-old opted to leave Olympique de Marseille last summer as he went in search of a new challenge and received offers from the Italian giants and La Liga side Sevilla.
However, a meeting with Dinamo coach Stanislav Cherchesov and the club’s hierarchy persuaded him to move to Russia instead.
“I had the chance to join AC Milan or Sevilla,” the France midfielder told La Derniere Heure.
“But then I met Dinamo’s coach and directors and they made it clear they were working on a serious project.
“I am 30-years-old now. My career started quite late and it was important to look after myself. I already made good money at OM, but it’s even better here.
“But it’s not only about the money. I also have goals on the pitch.”
Valbuena has netted three goals in 20 appearances in all competitions since joining Dinamo.
He has a contract with the Moscow side until June 2017.