Romeu 'couldn't say no' to Southampton return

Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu says "it is great to be back" for his second spell at the club.

The 34-year-old returns to the south coast side after three years of playing in Spain for Barcelona and Girona.

Romeu made 256 appearances across seven years for Saints during which the club was always in the Premier League.

"It's great to be back and I'm happy to be around again," Romeu told BBC Radio Solent.

"The welcome couldn't be any better probably and I'm pleased to be back and willing to help as soon as possible.

"I knew about the move probably a week ago, it's been pretty fast and I saw the situation as a chance for me to help the team and be in a place that I love and in a place that I've really enjoyed playing football.

"I couldn't say no, the fact that they called me and I was a free agent, everything more or less matched and clicked together and it was a great chance for me to say yes."

The season after Romeu left Southampton they were relegated following 11 consecutive seasons in England's top fight.

Saints have been struggling in the Championship this campaign and sacked Will Still on Sunday.

Romeu is hoping that he can have an impact both on and off the pitch.

"It's about bringing the experience that I've got and giving balance to the team with and without the ball," he added.

"Making sure we can be solid and at the same time we can allow forward players to make a difference, we've got talent up front and I'm sure they can show that every single game.

"Off the pitch is about understanding the situations, talking to younger players and being a good example.

"I think we've got quality to dream big and to be ambitious and that's our goal, with the club we're talking about, we should be fighting to get promoted.

"I've never played this league but I've watched it when I was here and I know how tough it is."