SAINTS legend Franny Benali has joined Matt Le Tissier in being appointed an official club ambassador.

The former left-back earned iconic status at Saints during a memorable 15-year career with the first-team, coming through the youth set-up before playing 389 times, from 1988 until 2003 – and, of course, scoring once.

Southampton-born Benali recently broke his £1m fundraising target for Cancer Research UK, after the last of three ultra-endurance challenges.

His incredible efforts also saw him awarded the Honorary Freedom of Southampton in 2016.

Benali will now represent the club through a variety of community and commercial activities.

Saints CEO, Martin Semmens said: “I am delighted that Franny has accepted our offer of becoming an official Club Ambassador.

“Throughout this club’s history, few people can claim to have brought the level of passion and commitment that he has, and to this day Franny remains one of our greatest supporters. It is only fitting, therefore, that he takes on a role such as this.

“The heart Franny showed as a player is not something restricted to the football pitch, either. We have all watched with total admiration as he has put himself through such great physical and emotional pain to raise an incredible amount of money for Cancer Research UK.

"He is an inspiration to so many people, and someone who embodies everything that is great about this football club.”

Benali said: “It’s an absolute honour and quite overwhelming in many ways. It has been a long journey personally, from walking into the club as a 13-year-old and having some trials and training sessions, and then signing in an official capacity at 14.

"The playing career goes by in a flash, and I’ve turned into a supporter since then and supported the club in any way I could over the years, but to now have an official role as well is amazing.”

and I will continue to try to support and promote the club in a positive light wherever I can.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity. I’m excited and I’m delighted.”