SAINTS legend Matt Le Tissier received an honorary degree from a Southampton university and told graduates: “Go follow your dreams.”

The highly-talented midfielder remains the second-highest goal scorer for Southampton FC and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1990.

He was also the first midfielder to score 100 goals in the Premier League and was famous for penalty-scoring ability - converting from the spot 47 times from 48 attempts.

Yesterday he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Sport degree from Southampton Solent University.

Matt, 48, has had a long relationship with the university and often visits the campus to attend events and speak to students.

On receiving his degree he said: “I’d like to thank Southampton Solent University for bestowing this honour on me.

“I feel quite proud - it’s a lovely gesture and one which I thought, growing up, I would never get.”

Matt also spoke of his pride in Southampton and praised the university for what it had achieved.

“Everybody connected with Southampton Solent University should be very, very proud of what they have done thus far.”

Matt stayed at Saints throughout his professional life, earning the loyalty of fans who dubbed him “Le God”.

Since retiring from professional football, he has carved out a new career as a TV sports commentator and also supports several charities, including Men United and Cancer Research UK.

In a message to Southampton Solent University graduates he said: “Congratulations first and foremost as a lot of hard work goes in to getting where you are today.

“Go follow your dreams - that’s what I did when I was a kid.

“It didn’t mean me going to university and graduating but it meant me finding a job I loved and one I enjoyed.

“If you can find something that’s a passion and make it your living, then you’re winning at life.”