YUKINARI Sugawara proved he is as entertaining off the pitch as he looks to be on it when speaking to the Daily Echo for the first time.

The Japanese right-back enjoyed a positive first outing for Saints, scoring from range as they thrashed National League neighbours Eastleigh 7-1 on Friday.

Having joined from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last week for a reported fee of £6million, the 24 year old caught the eye in the second half against the Spitfires. 

Sugawara formed a strong early relationship with Sam Amo-Ameyaw, six years his junior, down the right-hand side.

The words he used to describe how his new teammate's performance made him feel are not fit for publication but offer a glimpse into his lovable character.

He told the Daily Echo: "Sam is a good baller with the ball, that's why it's easy to run behind him.  When he had the ball, maybe two or three defenders came to Sam. 

"It's not only him. A lot of players (here) are still under 20 years old. I'm 24, I feel ****ing old. That's the problem," he joked.

Yukinari Sugawara scored in his first Saints outing (Image: Stuart Martin)

"They only have good potential and quality. I really love to play with them. I'm happy with them."

Saints were not the only team interested in signing Sugawara. After five successful seasons in the Eredivisie, the 13-time Japan international was in high demand.

They beat off interest from several clubs to secure the full-back, who holds the record for most appearances in UEFA competitions at former club AZ Alkmaar.

It was Russell Martin and more specifically his brand of football that convinced Sugawara the south coast was the correct destination for him.

"Russell-ball," he said when asked why he was keen to join Saints this summer, although it may have been a slip of the tongue.

"Russell Martin is my key point to come to Southampton. He's a good coach because he plays really well with the ball on the pitch and aggressive so I love it.

"Last summer I played against Southampton in the pre-season and I was really surprised by how they played.

"I've been following Southampton's football and fortunately they gave me an offer, so I said yes in one second.

"Russell Martin is the biggest point to come to Southampton, and also the Premier League, but the first thing is the trainer - that is the most important thing."

The Daily Echo reminded Sugawara that he should have conceded a penalty when he brought Sam Edozie down in the box during that friendly last summer.

Yukinari Sugawara tripped Sam Edozie in the box last summerYukinari Sugawara tripped Sam Edozie in the box last summer

"You can just ask a referee, he didn't get a penalty so I don't know actually," Sugawara quipped back, reflecting on that game at St Mary's. 

"I think I felt that there was a small chance to come to Southampton or another club last summer, but I talked with my club Alkmaar and I was not allowed to leave.

"This summer Southampton gave me a really good offer. Some (other) clubs were interested in me but I was focused on coming here. That's my priority."

He continued: "I really enjoyed the game (against Eastleigh) because it was the first game of my Southampton career.

"That was really important for me and with the goal, I'm super happy with that. My strength is always (being) aggressive in attack and defence.

"I want to show them my performance around the box. That's my strength and also I really like to fight for the team to win."