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Premier League: Eljero Elia is grateful to Ronald Koeman for bringing him to Southampton

Eljero Elia celebrates with Ronald Koeman, manager of Southampton, after scoring the opening goal during the  Premier League match against Newcastle
Image: Eljero Elia celebrates with Ronald Koeman after scoring the opening goal against Newcastle.

New Southampton signing Eljero Elia has thanked Saints manager Ronald Koeman for having the faith to bring him to the club.

The Dutchman has settled quickly at Southampton since joining on loan from Werder Bremen at the beginning of the January transfer window and scored twice in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Newcastle.

The 27-year-old played in the 2010 World Cup final for Holland but his stock has dipped since as he struggled to impress during spells with Hamburg and Bremen.

Koeman has given his compatriot an opportunity to rebuild his career and a grateful Elia is seizing the opportunity with both hands.

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Jose Fonte and Eljero Elia give their reaction after the latter scored two goals against Newcastle

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"The manager gave me the chance to play for Southampton,” Elia told the club's official website.

“He was the only one who believed in me and everybody around was looking at what was going to happen.

"I said I only want to play football. I'm never happy. I want to have success; I want to continue more and more and more. It's up to me. I want to show everyone what I can do.

"When somebody believes in me, it's like an effect. He gives you trust, he wants you to have success and you go and fight for him, and you fight for the club, you fight for your team-mates.

"From the first moment, my team-mates helped me with everything, and I am very happy to play for Southampton."

Elia's contribution against Newcastle proved decisive at the end of a gruelling week which also saw his team beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and win an FA Cup third round replay victory at Ipswich.

He said: "First we win against Manchester United, then Ipswich Town and now Newcastle United. It's been a very good week."

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