Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was confirmed that Maya Yoshida had departed the club.

The 100-cap Japan international has left to join Serie A side Sampdoria on loan, although as his contract was set to expire in the summer anyway, this is effectively a goodbye to the centre-back who has been at St Mary’s since August 2012 – he joined on an initial three-year deal from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo.

In total, Yoshida racked up 194 appearances for the Saints, scoring nine goals and recording four assists.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side did in fact land a sum of £3m from Sampdoria for the loan, which at least means they’ve made some cash other than losing the 31-year-old for nothing in the summer.

Yoshida found game time hard to come by under the former RB Leipzig manager this season, making just six Premier League starts – he played just five minutes in the Premier League following the embarrassing 9-0 defeat to Leicester.

Let’s see how the Southampton fans reacted to his departure…

To kick off the discussion, these two supporters wished the Japanese defender well on his venture to Italy.

Rob said that Yoshida is “the definition of a top professional & a true club player” and that he hopes the “future holds great things” for the former Southampton No.3.

Ash added that the centre-back “will be missed” before thanking him for his “class performances on and off the pitch”.

Elsewhere, these two fans didn’t sound very happy with his exit.

Another fan named Ash said “all for a little bit of cash” in regards to Yoshida’s exit, suggesting that the Japan international was worth keeping around instead of the £3m loan fee.

Andy then asked why the club’s “most senior player” had been sold – given his lack of game time, it is an understandable decision from the club.

Lastly, Julie and Kevin expressed their sadness to see Yoshida leave the south coast.

What could’ve been… Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

Kevin said “sad to see you go” before adding that it’s a “shame” the Nagasaki-born player didn’t get a testimonial.

Julie then said that she is “so disappointed” before questioning why Southampton “would let this servant go” – this supporter also said that Yoshida “has our ethos” before thanking him for everything he has done.

In other news, this Southampton player who “surprised” Ralph Hasenhuttl seals loan exit, and it isn’t Yoshida…