As Southampton prepare to host Arsenal in their final fixture of the Premier League season on Sunday, winger Kamaldeen Sulemana has opened up about the emotional weight of a campaign that has ended in relegation.
The Ghanaian international described the 2022/23 season as “long, both emotionally and physically”, and has vowed to help end it on a positive note when they take on the Gunners.
Despite their demotion to the Championship being sealed last month, the Saints’ loyal supporters have continued to back the team in large numbers.
Sulemana has taken notice of this resilience and expressed his appreciation, calling the fans a constant source of strength throughout a difficult year.
“They have always been there,” he said following their recent defeat to Everton. “Regardless of the results, they kept showing up for us. I think they have been there from the beginning of the season, and we are lucky to have them.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Arsenal at St Mary’s, Sulemana says the team remains determined to give fans one last reason to smile before attention shifts to their promotion push.
“I think they deserve better,” he said. “We should try to end the season on a good note and give them something to cheer for as we go back to the Championship.”