Wanyama 'happy' with Saints move
Last updated on .From the section Football
Victor Wanyama does not regret swapping Celtic for Southampton, despite seeing his former club handed a dream Champions League draw.
After two fantastic years in Glasgow, the highly-rated 22-year-old Kenyan headed south of the border in July.
Southampton paid a club record fee of US$20m to secure Wanyama's services.
The move capped an incredible rise for Wanyama, whose superb display in the famous 2-1 win over Barcelona thrust him firmly into the spotlight.
Celtic again face the Spanish giants in this year's Champions League group stage, as well as AC Milan and Ajax.
So, with such glamour ties coming up, would Wanyama preferred to have stayed on an extra year in Glasgow?
"No, obviously Champions League they are good games, but it was time for me also to move on," he said.
"I will be just looking forward to support them.
"I believe one day Champions League football is achievable at Southampton.
"Everything step by step and I believe one day we will be also there."
Wanyama's Celtic departure looked inevitable, although Southampton did not always look like it would be his destination.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton and Cardiff were all linked with the powerful midfielder, but it was Saints that were given permission to speak to him.
Initial talks broke down following suggestions of issues with his representatives, but the impasse in discussions was finally broken and he penned a four-year deal.
"It was my decision after meeting with the chairman and the manager," said Wanyama, whose brother McDonald Mariga plays for Parma in Serie A.
"I was just happy with the things they were telling me and that's why I chose Southampton.
"The ambition of the club they had and I was just happy to come and join them.
"It has been a little bit easier to get used to the change, because the team-mates here have been really helpful and it has been easy for me to settle in."
