Southampton have announced the arrival of Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld on a season-long loan.
The Belgian international joined the Spanish champions last summer, but made only 12 league appearances for the club in his debut season.
"I'm very happy to be here," Alderweireld told the club's official website. "I had a good talk with the coach. First of all, it was very important for me to play this season and the coach gave me a good solution for that.
"The trainer likes how I play and really wanted me to come here, which is what convinced me to come. I really wanted a trainer that believes in me, because that's important.
"I think this is an upcoming club. Southampton put a lot of effort in to get me, so now I want to give something back to the club by doing my best to help the team. I want to give everything for Southampton."
Alderweireld has won 37 caps for Belgium and played for his country at this summer's World Cup.
Alex Meyers
