Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has explained allowing Maya Yoshida to leave on deadline day.
The Japan captain is now on-loan with Sampdoria.
Hasenhuttl said: “This decision was taken very quickly on the flight to Liverpool. It was a long time he played for this club.
“He was an important player for this club but at the moment I cannot give him what he expects to get.
"He needs moments to play and it's normal a player comes to the coach and says 'I like it here and the way we play but I don't play that often and need something else'.
"It was understandable and I wish him all the best. He's a fantastic character and a fantastic player."