San Siro perfect place to start for Saints’ record-signing Boufal

Southampton’s club-record signing Sofiane Boufal believes the chance to make his berth in the San Siro is an experience he’ll never forget.

The 23-year-old signed from Lille over the summer, a fee believed to be in the region of £16million after an impressive season in France.

But the Moroccan international has had to patiently wait for his St Mary’s opportunity, with minor injury and fitness problems keeping him sidelined until Thursday’s Europa League tie at Inter Milan.

And while he was only played 17 minutes as a substitute in Italy, Boufal was just delighted to be pack on the pitch for the first time since April – feeling there were few better places for him to make his mark.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

“It was a very special moment, and to have that in the San Siro is wonderful,” he said.

“But it’s not a happy game without a point or three points. We played very well and I missed an opportunity in front of goal which was a shame.

“I feel good in myself, I don’t have pain and to have my first game for Southampton in the San Siro is everything for me.

“The fans gave me a great reception which I’m very grateful for, it’s nice having that support and hopefully that can give me a boost.

“It will take time to get back – I haven’t played for five months and you need time to get back, but every day I feel better and hope to come back fully quickly.”