Nathan Tella has expressed happiness at making his full competitive debut for Southampton in their 2-0 loss to Brentford in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Prior to his first start for the Saints, the winger made his Premier League bow off the bench against Norwich City in June 2020, before making the bench against Arsenal and Watford, and was an unused substitute on the opening day of this season against Crystal Palace.
With Southampton crashing out of the Cup, it was a night of mixed emotions for their number 23.
“It’s a dream come true. I was speaking to my parents last night and said it’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” said Tella shortly after the game at St Mary’s Stadium.
“The fact it came today, the result was not the best but on a personal note, it’s a dream come true and something I’ve worked towards my whole life and I’m happy to get there and for it to have happened tonight.
“I’m happy to get my first start but disappointed with the loss.”
Tella committed his future to Southampton by inking a fresh three-year deal with the club in July 2020.