Tadic delighted to extend contract at Southampton

Dušan Tadić said that it was an easy decision to extend his contract at Southampton and is pleased to put an end to the rumours surrounding his future.

Earlier today, the Serbian international put pent to paper on a new four-year deal which will see him remain at the club until 2020.

Rumours circulated about Tadić's future with the club after allegedly falling out with previous manager Ronald Koeman. However, after the Dutchman left, the Saints board made it clear that they wanted the playmaker to stay.

It was that effort that the club put in to keeping the former FC Twente man that made it an easy decision for him to sign a new deal.

He said: "I just need to say, that also the club put a lot of effort to keep me. I appreciate that. There was also other possibilities but we recognised it was best that I stay in Southampton.

"When someone puts lots of effort and someone shows you that they want you a lot then it’s a much easier decision.

"I think it’s really important because there was so many stories and my head was a little bit big! Finally, this is over."

Since joining two years ago from FC Twente, Tadić has featured heavily in Southampton's two record breaking seasons. During those two years, he's scored 13 goals and recorded 21 assists. Only Mesut Özil and Cesc Fàbregas have recorded more assists during that spell.

Tadić said that he's enjoyed his first two years but is looking to improve on them in the future.

"I have had two beautiful years here and a great connection with the supporters and everyone in the club – all the players and staff.

"I hope we will have two amazing seasons like the last two seasons. We know it will be hard but we will give the best we can. We will try to go further in Europe and all the cups and competitions."

Tadić will start his third season as a Saint in a new system under new manager Claude Puel. During pre-season, Tadić has featured at the tip of the diamond behind two strikers after often featuring out wide for Koeman.

The playmaker said that the position that he plays in is irrelevant, as long as he can be important to the team.

"For me, it doesn’t matter which position you play. Most important is that you can show your qualities and you're important for the team.

"We have a good team now with good coaches. The club is like a family and this is really nice."