Inter Milan and Fiorentina wanted Southampton star Sofiane Boufal as he struggled to adapt to Premier League
Morrocan international wowed St Mary's with stunning goal against WBA but until then he wasn't happy
SOUTHAMPTON star Sofiane Boufal was wanted by Inter Milan and Fiorentina this summer, his agent has claimed.
Boufal, 24, scored an absolute cracker of a goal against West Bromwich to put himself in contention for goal of the season.
The Morocco international was introduced as an 81st minute substitute.
He made an impact four minutes later with an eye-catching solo effort after dribbling past six Baggies players.
The former Lille winger has been restricted to five Premier League appearances under new manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
But that goal could well make all the difference to his career at St Mary's.
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Boufal's agent Yvan Le Mée said: "He feels good now, he's just waiting to play more.
"In August we had clubs like Inter, Fiorentina and Celta Vigo, who know what they're doing when it comes to buying players, who all wanted to buy him at any cost.
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"Southampton said no, though, and now he's proving he's someone who can win points."
Boufal is still revelling in his strike against West Bromwich.
“When I went past one or two players I felt confident, and the rest of it just felt natural,” Boufal told the Southampton website.
“I'm so happy with the goal - for my family and all the people who have helped me in the difficult moments.
“Sometimes you have good moments and sometimes you have bad moments, but the most important thing is to be confident in yourself.
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“I hope the best is still to come. I hope this goal will help me for the future with Southampton.
“I just want to think about the future and work hard. It's very important to work harder in the difficult moments."
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