Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier chosen as the first winner of Athletic Bilbao's One-Club Man Award

The Bilbao-based team have created the new honour “as a recognition to those players who, outside Athletic Club, have developed their whole career at the same club.”

Le Tissier is set to receive the award on Tuesday, April 28, during half-time of their match with Real Sociedad.

Matt Le Tissier in action for Saints, at St Mary's Stadium

In an interview on Athletic Club’s official website, Le Tissier said: “It certainly was a big surprise.

“And I must say it was a very pleasant one too. I am incredibly proud to be the first to receive this award.”

In a message to Le Tissier, Athletic said: “What is entirely clear and obvious is that your reputation in the world of football is unmatched.

“Many great players have expressed their admiration about you. Pele, for instance, was quoted saying that if you had been Brazilian you would always have been among the starting 11.

“Barcelona’s midfielder Xavi recently said: ‘The man I absolutely loved watching as a kid was Matt Le Tissier after seeing the highlights of his extraordinary goals.

“’His talent was out of the norm. He could dribble past seven or eight players but without speed – he just almost walked past them. For me, he was sensational.

“’We had a programme on Spanish TV with the best goals from around Europe. He was always the star.’

“But for us, what we value most are your values and principles, your loyalty to the same club during your entire career.

“We see ourselves very much reflected in this value and in these principles.

“For this reason, it is a true honour for us to give you our first One-Club Man Award.

“This way you will always be part of our history.

“From now on an unquestionable football legend linked to a unique club with a unique philosophy.”