Frustrated Joe Aribo insists he didn't receive "a proper chance" during his debut campaign at Southampton after leaving Rangers.
The Nigeria international rounded off a disappointing campaign on a high note as he helped the Super Eagles reach the African Cup on Nations - but that failed to dampen his disappointment after relegation from the English Premier League just 12 months on from leaving Ibrox behind. The 26-year-old managed just 27 appearances in all competitions last season under three bosses - Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles - and was dropped to the U23s at various points throughout the campaign.
It's a far cry from the hero status earned with Rangers where he helped the side lift the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup during his time at the club - as well as netting a historic goal for the Light Blues' during their Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. With Malik Tillman unlikely to return to Rangers rumours have been swirling that a return to Govan could be on the cards.
And the playmaker has clearly been left irked by his lack of regular game time at St Mary's last term - admitting it was "upsetting" to watch from the sidelines as Southampton finished rock bottom of the English top flight. Asked how he would sum up the season by the Planet Sport Football Africa podcast, Aribo said: “For me, very frustrating.
"It was tough because you want to do so well for yourself, you know. I had a new challenge and I wanted to hit the ground running.
“And obviously, I had all of these goals and what I wanted to do, also to help the team. But I didn't feel I got the chance to do that and it was really frustrating. It was a season of learning.
"But also, I felt like I needed that season because it was God that put me in that situation and I have learnt that he doesn't do it for no reason. There was a reason behind it. Right now I am questioning that reason but we just have to put our faith in God and trust. "
Pressed on experiencing relegation for the first time, Aribo continued: 'It's really frustrating. You kind of don't know what to do with yourself because for me, like you said, I have never experienced so I didn't know how to take it.
"It was a bitter one to take, but another reason why it was so bitter for me is because I didn't really get a chance, a proper chance, to help the team. Like, seeing it all unfold was really upsetting for me."
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