DEFENDER Wesley Hoedt admitted it had been a “mistake” in leaving Lazio to join Saints and vowed to prove his doubters wrong.

The 26-year-old last week put pen-to-paper on a season-long loan deal to return to the Serie A outfit, with the option for Lazio to buy him.

Hoedt joined Saints from Lazio for £15million in 2017, but has not played for the St Mary’s side since November 2018.

But the Netherlands international is now out to prove himself after returning back to Stadio Olimpico.

Hoedt told TutterMercatto: “A few weeks ago, (Simone Inzaghi, Lazio manager) called me, and we talked about various things.

“He was very important in my choice, and he’s the one who asked me to return.

“I know there are some who have doubts about me, but I’ll give everything for this shirt and for the fans.

“I made a mistake in leaving, I'm the first to admit it.

“I'm happy that now I can change everything.”