Cape Town - Southampton
striker Manolo Gabbiadini says he will get more of a chance to stake a
claim in the Italian national side for the upcoming World Cup by
remaining in England.
The 25-year-old former Atalanta, Cittadella, Juventus and Sampdoria striker, who last played for Napoli, made an immediate impression with the Saints upon his arrival this season, netting some impressive goals in his opening few games.
He managed to score just four in total in 11 league matches as Southampton struggled towards the latter stages of their campaign, but remained one of the club's shining lights.
While the seven-time capped Italy international admits he will return to play football in his homeland before the end of his career, he is currently happy in the United Kingdom.
He told ANSA: "I have no regrets, they were two wonderful years. When I think about my experience at Napoli, I'm satisfied with what I did there.
"Sooner or later I will return to play in Italy but not now. I am happy in England, where I am playing in a great league.
"And given the competition in attack for Italy, I can have more opportunities in view of the World Cup in 2018."
Gabbiadini was also on the score-sheet twice as Southampton suffered a 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the EFL Cup final.