Morgan Schneiderlin has admitted that he wanted to join a team playing in Europe, but has accepted Southampton's refusal to sell the midfielder.

The Frenchman will stay at St Mary's until January at least, despite reportedly trying to orchestrate a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer window.

Following the departures of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers, the Saints were adamant that Schneiderlin would not be the next player out the door.

"I was blocked but I must accept that because I have three years remaining on my contract," The Express quotes Schneiderlin as saying.

"I could not afford to make a fuss and not play. I owe a lot to Southampton, who enabled me to make the France national team. I could not afford to go and clash with supporters who have always been cool with me."

The midfielder has scored two Premier League goals three games into the season.