Taylor Harwood-Bellis shared his agony over Southampton's tumble from the Premier League after their defeat at Tottenham ensured they'd be playing Championship football next season.
The Saints' fight for survival crumbled on Sunday, casting the club into the second tier with a hefty seven games left — a new unwanted record in the Premier League era, reports the Irish Mirror.
Saints star Harwood-Bellis, set to marry Roy Keane's daughter Leah, turned to Instagram to voice his torment on Monday, penning: "It's really hard to put into words how heartbroken and frustrated I am by this season. After the highs of last season, I'm so sorry we didn't manage to push on and perform like we know we're capable of."
He continued to show faith in his squad, expressing, "I truly believe in this team and I know we'll be back stronger. You fans deserve it. It felt important to come on here and say a huge thank you to those that stood by us all season. You've cheered us on no matter what, and please believe me when I say we've heard, seen and felt the support. Thank you, Saints."
The defender wrapped up his message with a call to unity: "It's been hard to put into words how disappointing this feels, but we've got to focus on finishing the season as a team, together."
Harwood-Bellis, 23, and his fiancée Leah declared their engagement last summer, prompting Manchester United icon Keane to quip that after the England international netted against Ireland, things in the Keane family could shift "things can change very quickly in the Keane household".
Speaking to ITV, he said: "It's bittersweet for me this. It is not done and dusted yet. Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you. Over the last few months he has got a goal threat, even playing for Southampton. It is nice for him.
"It's good for him, it's good for him to make his debut, like I say he has a goal threat. He's a nice kid, his family have done a great job, he is a really nice kid."
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
English (United States) ·