Morgan Schneiderlin admits Southampton fans played a major role in his decision to stay this season.
During the summer, his position at the club appeared untenable, and the Frenchman admits that he was encouraged to go on strike to force through a move.
He told France Football: "I talked to a lot of people. Some told me to go on strike, that the club will finally give up. My agents never said that, they just told me to make a decision.
"I felt that the officials wouldn't let me leave, that they would rather leave me on the sidelines for six months. So I resumed training because I really needed to play football again."
But following his return to the side - and the reception received at Anfield - things started to improve on the South Coast, and following their impressive start to the season Schneiderlin is even targeting Champions League qualification under new boss Ronald Koeman.
"I played against Liverpool at Anfield and all the Southampton fans applauded me and chanted my name. It was so heart-warming," Schneiderlin added. "I knew then I would spend the whole season at Southampton.
"Maybe now we will achieve something amazing here. Champions League qualification would be fantastic. I hope to play in the Champions League one day, of course. I want to play every three days. But why not play in the Champions League with Southampton?"
