Theo Walcott EXCLUSIVE: Reinvigorated Southampton ace ‘very proud’ to be working with ‘incredible’ Ralph Hasenhuttl

Theo Walcott has told talkSPORT that he was ready to re-sign for Southampton after meeting Ralph Hasenhuttl for the first time.

Having succumbed to their worst home defeat in Premier League history, a 9-0 defeat to Leicester in October 2019, it looked as though Hasenhuttl was on borrowed time at St Mary's.

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However, he has overseen an incredible turnaround at Saints, who currently lie fifth in the top flight.

And Walcott, who scored his first goal for Saints for almost 15 years in their 1-1 draw at Wolves on Monday night, has hailed the influence Hasenhuttl has made at the south coast side.

"When you've got a manager who has obviously developed the squad [so much], and especially where they've come from since that result against Leicester [it says it all]," the 31-year-old told White & Jordan.

"The players just want to do well for him and each other. The way we play and because of the philosophy we have at the club you need to believe and trust each other and want to improve.

"It's drilled into everyone at the club. The manager's ideas are incredible.

"I feel very proud to part of this squad at this moment in time and hopefully we're going to very successful moving forward."

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Detailing his initial meeting with Hasenhuttl, he added: "The first time I spoke to him I was very impressed straight away.

"First impressions are a big thing for me and straight away I felt like I wanted to play for him. He made it happen and Everton did as well, which I'm very grateful for.

"It's a club that has always been very close to my heart. Now having the chance to work with him as well.

"The ideas and methods he has are incredible, and I've managed to change my game pretty quickly [upon arriving here] and fit right in. It suits me down to the ground.

"He's very passionate and willing to do well. Every day he wants to improve and you can see that. He's a very impressive man to work for that's for sure."