Saturday, 29th November, 2014
Morgan Schneiderlin believes Calum Chambers joining Arsenal in the summer prevented his own move away from Southampton.
Schneiderlin was also linked with Arsenal, though Tottenham Hotspur and following former boss Mauricio Pochettino to White Hart Lane always appeared the more likely switch.
However, Southampton stood firm and drew a line under their summer exodus, insisting Schneiderlin had to remain at St. Mary's Stadium.
For the Frenchman, it was Chambers' exit that shook Southampton into life and caused the south coast club to insist he stayed put.
"Lots of people told me that if I left, it would be the straw that broke the camel’s back, especially as Calum Chambers’ transfer had gone down very badly indeed", he told FIFA.
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"That was when the club realised that it had to stop, because the fans were already quite angry.
"One player doesn’t make a team, but by not letting me leave, the club was sending out a strong signal that it was still in control", the France midfielder added.
Schneiderlin is still keen on turning out for a bigger club however, with playing in the Champions League a burning ambition which has only grown with regular call-ups to the France squad.
"When I play for France, I rub shoulders with players who represent Real Madrid and other big-name clubs, and so it goes without saying that I would also like to experience the UEFA Champions League and suchlike. I’m 25 right now and I still haven’t played in it."
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