Saints star Michael Svensson has given Southampton fans a large share of the credit for his remarkable comeback from injury and thanked them for their support…

The former Swedish international reluctantly announced his decision to retire as a player on Thursday, exactly seven years to the day after he was signed by Gordon Strachan back in 2002.

An amazing debut season then followed with an eighth place Premier League finish and an FA Cup final appearance that Svensson picks out as the undoubted highlight of his time at St. Mary's.

Injury unfortunately then struck in March 2004 and the Swede spent much of the following campaign sidelined by a painful knee injury.

Five operations later he managed a remarkable comeback in time to lead out the side as captain at the start of the 2008/09 season, and admitted that he couldn't have done it alone.

"I would like to thank the fans for everything they've done for me," Svensson said. "They've always been very positive throughout my injury and whenever I've met fans in town or outside the ground they were always saying that they missed me.

"It meant a lot to me, especially when I was doing my rehab because it's always in the back or your mind and it makes you want to get back for the fans as well.

Svensson receives another warm welcome at St. Mary's

"The reception they gave me when I got back this season in the home game against Birmingham was something I will remember forever.

"Unfortunately it didn't last too long and I was very disappointed that it didn't, but the Southampton fans have always been first class, especially throughout the difficult recent times that the club has had."

With the Saints' long-term survival still in serious doubt, Svensson's own future as a coach remains equally uncertain, although the 33-year old remains typically optimistic.

"I know that the Saints fans will be there next season and they will all give us the support to help us go back up to the Championship and then hopefully back to the Premier League," he proclaimed.

"If the takeover deal goes through then, whatever happens, I think the future for Southampton is bright because this is a massive and wonderful cub.

"There's a huge difference between being a coach and a player, so I didn't know how it would go, but I really enjoyed it, despite everything that happened at the end of the season."

Svensson has also said that he would like to continue in some capacity with Southampton but has not ruled out a return to his homeland at some stage in the future.

"Sweden will always be home and we always said that we would go back one day, but in my seven years here I have met people who I hope I will stay in touch with forever.

"My family have enjoyed the time that we have been here. It's a great part of the world and the people are fantastic.

"It's difficult for the rest of my family though, who haven't been able to see their grandson. They try to come here as often as they can, but I can't just be selfish and not think about them as well.

"If I did move back to Sweden we would return to live in Halmstad because that's where my wife is from. It's another great city next to the sea and very easy to get back to Southampton from."