The future of Che Adams was one of the sagas of the summer for Southampton before the striker eventually signed for Torino.
Che Adams had been at Southampton since signing in summer 2019 but the Scotland international’s contract expired at the end of June.
Russell Martin was keen to keep Adams but the 28-year-old refused to commit his future to the Saints despite having contract offer on the table for much of the promotion-winning campaign last season.
Adams received praise for being the first Southampton player to address the club’s fans publicly following relegation in 2023 where he promised to get the club back where they belong in the Premier League.
He did just that, scoring 15 Championship goals as Southampton went up via the play-offs and took his time deciding his future before signing for Serie A side Torino.
- READ MORE: Che Adams pens emotional message to ‘incredible’ Southampton fans as Torino move confirmed
Che Adams cites new ‘experience’ as reason for leaving Southampton
Adams was never prolific at Southampton but his tireless work-rate endeared him to fans who appreciated the striker’s efforts.
Having played for Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Southampton, Adams’ decision to move to Italy was a surprising one but the centre-forward has now revealed the thinking behind his decision.
Adams told BBC Sport: “It’s scary. It’s real-life stuff, especially if you have little kids. You have little doubts if you’ve taken the right decision, if it’s the best for the family.
“It was really hard – just changing our whole lives – and leaving is normal for a footballer, but your partner has to pick up all the pieces.
“But it’s wanting to expand my experience, to learn about myself, learn about the different way of life and the football side as well.
“Everyone knows football is a short career and I don’t want to look back on it when I’m retired and think: ‘Oh, I wish I’d done that or I wish I’d done that’.”
“To only have played in England or to play for one club – some people obviously want that in terms of security and stability – but I came up the non-league way, and I’ve always fought my way in and had a different experience.”
Adams enjoying strong start to Torino career after leaving Southampton
Southampton have lost four of their five league matches since returning to the top flight, with Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town earning Martin’s side their first point.
However, Adams has endured no such struggles in Turin as Torino currently sit top of the table after five Serie A games.
This is a surprise to even the most optimistic of Torino supporters as they have seen their side start the league season unbeaten despite having already faced AC Milan and Atalanta.
Adams has started the season well on a personal level too as he has scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions and boasts two in his last two matches.
Few will begrudge Adams his fresh start and perhaps he is proving that he could have made a difference to a misfiring Saints attack in the Premier League.