Tino Livramento joined Southampton from his boyhood club Chelsea and jumped straight into the first team. It came as a surprise for the 18-year-old defender, but he wasn’t the only one. His father Louis was busy watching their favourite team Chelsea!Speaking to the Daily Mail newspaper, the teenage prodigy said that he was delighted to sign for Southampton in the last transfer window, but that playing on the Premier League opening day came as a complete shock.”I didn’t really expect to play straight away. Maybe play in the cup competitions, come on as sub a few times in the Premier League. Towards Christmas maybe get the opportunity to start a few games.”When Saints boss Ralph Hassenhuttl announced his starting eleven with the club’s new $6.5 million signing – notifying friends and family was the last thing on Tino’s mind.”I don’t like messaging anyone that I’m playing before the game. I don’t like adding pressure on myself. I wanted to experience it on my own first, see how I dealt with it and my dad can always watch the highlights on television.”Tino spent a decade at Chelsea (©AFP)Although Chelsea remains Louis’ favourite club, he’s putting Southampton first these days. He gets to see his boy playing in the Premier League, which still seems utterly surreal for both father and son.”You walk off the pitch, swapping shirts with Paul Pogba and you walk over to the coach and are looking at your dad in the eyes thinking ‘this is just weird’.”Tino has been a member of Chelsea’s Academy for most of his life. After ten years of playing in a blue shirt, he was named Chelsea’s academy player of the season last term, but it wasn’t enough to secure a future at Stamford Bridge. After failed contact talks, it was clear that Livramento would have to find a new club. And after a strong start on England’s south coast, he says he has no regrets about leaving London.”When Southampton showed interest, it was hard for me to turn down a club that has proven to be a great place for young players to grow. I was given the opportunity to show a bigger audience that they are ready.”Tino Livramento.That is all. pic.twitter.com/Zw3ehA0Ygm— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 23, 2021 And the talented defender has already notched his first goal for the club. He found the net in last week’s 2-2 draw with Burnley. It was another memorable moment for a boy who’s only been playing low-key reserve and youth fixtures until not so long ago.The Saints are travelling to Watford to face the Hornets in the Premier League. The hosts have scored a thrilling victory at Everton last weekend and will try to make it two in a row. It will be up to Livramento and his teammates to stop them.PREMIER LEAGUE – Round 10Saturday14.30: (2.55) Leicester (3.40) Arsenal (2.95)17.00: (8.50) Newcastle (4.50) Chelsea (1.45)17.00: (2.75) Burnley (3.05) Brentford (2.95)17.00: (1.33) Liverpool (5.90) Brighton (9.50)17.00: (1.18) Man.City (8.00) Crystal Palace (19.0)17.00: (3.30) Watford (3.35) Southampton (2.35)19.30: (2.85) Tottenham (3.40) Man.Utd. (2.60)Sunday17.00: (3.35) Norwich (3.50) Leeds (2.25)19.30: (2.90) Aston Villa (3.35) West Ham (2.60)Monday23.00: (2.30) Wolverhampton (3.20) Everton (3.60)***odds are subject to change
