I know the fans weren’t happy with my move to Liverpool – I now want to repair those wounds

Adam Lallana could return from injury for Southampton against former club Liverpool on Wednesday night

Adam Lallana could make his return from injury for Southampton against former club Liverpool on Wednesday night. The 36-year-old has not played for the Saints since being sent off in the first half of their 3-2 defeat to the Reds at St. Mary’s last month.

However, he was back on the bench when Southampton lost 5-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night in what proved to be Russell Martin’s final game as manager.

It was Martin who brought the former England international back to the club last summer, 10 years after Lallana initially left the Saints to join the Reds.

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Liverpool parted with £25 million to sign the then Southampton captain in July 2014. And although he suffered injuries during his six years at Anfield, he was still a popular player under Jürgen Klopp.

Making 178 appearances for the Reds, collecting 22 goals and 21 assists, he won the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and European Super Cup with Liverpool before leaving at the end contract in 2020.

Inevitably, he therefore has no regrets about his decision to join the Reds. But well aware that the decision earned him backlash from Southampton supporters, he is grateful to have had the opportunity to return to his former club.

“It was 10 years ago when I left,” recalls Lallana. FourFourTwo earlier this season. “This last season was special with Mauricio (Pochettino).

“I never lost touch with him, he was a huge figure who helped shape my career and one of the main reasons I moved to Liverpool.

“Not all the fans were happy that I left, and it wasn’t an easy decision – when you leave to move on, not everyone will be happy.

“But I have no regrets. The trophies I have won have been a reward for the hard work throughout my career, not just during my years at Liverpool, but also for gaining promotion out of League One and the Championship with Southampton.

“I enjoyed my time at Liverpool, I enjoyed my first spell at Southampton and my time at Brighton too.”

He continued: “I know it was bittersweet when I left here last time, but I think I can mend some of these wounds. I will always do my best here.

“I have always had a special place for this football club. My son is at the academy and we have lived in the area for years.

“I loved my first weeks back at the club. When you get to my age, you go there year after year. I don’t know yet how long I’ll play, we’ll see what happens towards the end of the season.

“I just want to enjoy this year as much as possible. I always feel that I can offer something on the pitch and that I can also help the young players.

Under contract until the end of the season, it’s understandable why the 36-year-old is taking it year by year when it comes to his future. Now back to full fitness, he will look to help Southampton reverse their fortunes in the second half of the season.

Although a potential comeback could come in the League Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, he will be desperate to help the Saints eat away at their nine-point deficit at the bottom of the table and fight for survival the Premier League against all odds. .