Moi Elynoussi has insisted that he was determined to return to Southampton and justify his price tag after two years on loan at Celtic. A recent purple patch for the Saints has resulted in the 27-year-old becoming a mainstay in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.
In 67 appearances for Celitc, Elyounoussi impressed scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists. In particular, he enjoyed a purple patch in his first season as Celtic won a fourth consecutive Treble. Although, the winger has told the Daily Echo that he was determined to return to St Marys and prove his worth.
“I have to be honest, that was my dream, to come back and to prove everyone wrong.
“But at the same time, I had other offers. I had other opportunities to go and play week in, week out.
“That was also in my mind if it doesn’t work. But after the two first games when I sat on the bench, I felt determined to come back, as soon as I get the opportunity I will show him (Hasenhuttl) that I deserve to play.
“So I’m really happy that he put the trust in me and that I can pay him back for that.”
Basel were paid £16m for the services of the Norwegian Internationalist but a debut season in England didn’t go to plan and a year later, Celtic benefited by signing him on loan. Elyounoussi, however, is not letting the fate of his first spell get him down and he is hoping to justify the multi-million-pound outlay this season.
“There were a lot of different reasons why it didn’t work first time.
“So I just want to show why the club brought me in in the first place.
“It’s still early days, I’m going to keep working hard, keep getting better and try to help the team as much as I can.”
