Pochettino to stay on as Southampton boss

The Argentine's future had been thrown into question by Cortese's exit, but he reiterated his commitment to the club at a press conference on Thursday.

"I am fully committed to these players, to the staff and to these supporters. It would make no sense to leave this path," he said.

"Firstly, I want to show my gratitude in Nicola Cortese," Pochettino said. "He is a person who believed in me and brought me here."

"Eight months ago, I was at the end of my first season," he continued. "The situation now is completely different.

"We are in the middle of our project here at Southampton."