ARMANDO Broja has posted a farewell message to his Saints supporters and teammates, as his season-long loan from Chelsea comes to an end.

The 20-year-old forward scored nine goals in 38 appearances across all competitions for Saints, in his debut senior season in English football.

Six of those strikes came in the Premier League, although only one was scored since Ralph Hasenhuttl told media he wanted to keep Broja at the club in January.

The Albanian international was left out of the squad for the final day of the season at Leicester City yesterday.

And following the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign, Broja has posted this farewell message to his Instagram: “I just want to start off by saying what a great season for me and my family personally.

“A season full of ups and downs but no matter what I had family and amazing people to help me get through it.

“I also want to say a massive thank you to Southampton and the amazing fans for allowing me and having the belief in me to showcase what I can do.”

He continued: “I appreciate all the support and love you showed me and the team.

“Finally I want to say thank you so much to the players you guys taught me so much this year.

“I loved every minute with you lads it was honestly something special to me. You have not only become brothers to me but also family. I will miss you guys!”

Broja has been linked to a number of clubs across the Premier League and Europe during the season’s run-in, while Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel gave a recent update on his future.

The German confirmed that Broja and Conor Gallagher will return to Blues to be part of their pre-season, and face assessment for the year ahead.

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