Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admits it was difficult allowing Yan Valery to leave this summer.

The 23-year-old Saints academy graduate returned to homeland France, signing a contract with Ligue 1 side Angers.

There, Valery has already made three league appearances, adding to the 53 matches he played as a Saints first-team option since 2018.

“It was not easy to let him leave but he was always a very respectful character," Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo.

“Especially in the last two years, he had a massive change in his character because he became a father. You can see that does something with a young person."

Angers look to solidify their Ligue 1 status and currently sit eighth in the division with eight points from their opening eight matches.

“I think for him to go back to France was a very big chance and we didn't let him down there and tried to help him and support him, the same we did with (Oriol) Romeu," Hasenhuttl continued.

“A guy who is always respectful and working hard for this club gets all the support he needs to get from us."