Nairobi News

High-flying Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama has penned an emotional message to Southampton fans, days after joining English Premier league side Tottenham Hotspurs in a deal believed to be worth Sh1.7 billion (£11 million).

The Harambee Stars captain posted the thank you message on his website, www.victorwanyama.co.uk.

In the letter, Wanyama, 24, apologized to the fans for “false quotes” that appeared in the media, saying he could not disrespect them by speaking to the press before the fans.

Departing players are usually keen not to offend the fans as that would attract boos in future matches.

He also pays tribute to the fans for their support and the club “that gave me the chance to be the first Kenyan to play in Premier League”.

Last week, Wanyama signed a five-year deal with Spurs where he is expected to earn between Sh20 million and Sh35 million per month. Southampton bought Wanyama from Celtic for Sh1.9 billion (£12.5m) in 2013.

Below read his full message:

Dear All,

I write to you with a heavy heart to announce that I will be leaving Southampton Football Club. As you can imagine it is very emotional for me to say goodbye to the club that gave me the chance to be the first Kenyan to play in Premier League.

Firstly, I would like to thank the most important part of every club, the fans. I want to reassure you that any “quotes” you have read about in the media before my move was announced are false. I would never disrespect you by talking to the media before I have talked to you guys.

It took a while for me to win you all over but I can truly say that with your support and affection I have grown as a player and a person. You guys have always been there to lift us up when we were down, and to celebrate with us when we were playing well. I feel really proud that I got the opportunity to wear the Southampton shirt.

Secondly, football is a team sport and it wouldn’t be right not to thank my amazing teammates. Jose, thanks for leading the team and always being there to pick us up when we needed encouragement. Thanks to the rest of the team for always giving 100% effort, I will miss all of you.

I also want to thank every member of the Southampton staff: those who work behind the scenes and never get credit for their contribution to our success on the pitch. We are nothing without you.
I will never forget my time in Southampton Football Club, I will keep club forever in my heart.

Yours in Sport,

Victor Wanyama