Manolo Gabbiadini Reveals Personal Reasons Which Led to Move to Southampton

A nostalgic Manolo Gabbiadini has revealed the reason why he decided to move to Southampton.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 25-year-old Italian has said: “There were other options but I wanted to come to the Premier League. Southampton is comfortable, you are close to London and from there I can go to Bologna with three flights a day." 

Bologna may not be his birthplace, yet it still has a central role in his life: "I also thought about it when I moved here. I love Bologna. I played my first important season there and I met the girl who has now become my wife.”

Gabbiadini signed for Southampton after a struggling period with Serie A giants Napoli. Despite his suffered departure from the Italian outfit, he still holds a positive memory of his time in South Italy: “It was an important moment of my career. I was living in an amazing place, Posillipo, surrounded by amazing people and good friends. 

"It was an honour for me to play for Napoli. They have a great manager. Sarri is my favourite manager alongside Benitez. I was also on very good terms with Mihajlovic and Pioli.”

After netting twice in the past Premier League game between Southampton and Newcastle, Gabbiadini hoped to improve his performances both with the Saints and with Italy. 

He said: "Playing at the World Cup is my goal. If Italy do not qualify for it, there will be a disaster."