Toby Alderweireld has admitted that he 'understands' the disappointment felt by Southampton after he opted to join Tottenham Hotspur instead of remain at St Mary's.
The Belgian spent last season on loan with Southampton from Atletico Madrid and was widely expected to sign a permanent deal, but on Wednesday, the 26-year-old agreed a five-year contract with Spurs.
Southampton are believed to be pressing ahead with a compensation claim as they argue that Atletico missed the deadline to cancel a clause that gave the Saints first option to sign Alderweireld at the end of his loan spell.
"I understand that there is some disappointment," Sky Sports News quotes Alderweireld as saying. "I have sent a text message to [manager] Ronald [Koeman] and thanked him for a great year.
"He gave me a lot of confidence and made me a better footballer. Thanks to Southampton I am able to be on the map again after a difficult year at Atletico.
"I gave 100% for Southampton and wish everyone luck for next season, but I have always been closely following Tottenham."
Alderweireld is said to have cost Tottenham a fee in the region of £11m.
Danielle Joynson
