#INSERT type:image caption:Matthew Le Tissier in action for Southampton, with whom he spent his entire career. END#
Spanish club Athletic Bilbao have presented Matthew Le Tissier with a 'One Club Man' award to recognise the devotion of his career to Southampton.
Le Tissier, who played for the Saints from 1986 until 2002, was guest of honour at Bilbao's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
Bilbao set up the award to recognise players who spend their entire careers at the same club -- a significant factor for a club whose Basque-only policy makes it difficult for them to replace important players who leave.
Le Tissier, now a TV pundit, was flown over to Bilbao and greeted by players, directors and fans before visiting the training ground before being presented with the award by legendary goalkeeper Jose Angel Iribar.
What a fantastic day in Bilbao. Thank you so much @AthleticClub a very special football club indeed. Amazing reception from the fans too ❤️
- Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) April 28, 2015
"It was a big surprise, but a very nice surprise," he told Athletic's club magazine. "I am incredibly proud to be the first to receive this prize."
Le Tissier, a flamboyant forward known for his ability to score spectacular goals, explained why he had turned down offers to stay on the south coast.
"The fans always treated me well," he said. "They were the principle reason why I never wanted to leave.
"They called me 'Le God' -- but it could have been 'The Fat'. Before games, I drank so much beer that my behind was heavy. I also got through hamburgers and chilli.
"The main reason was my happiness and personal satisfaction, something I always put ahead of other things, and a feeling of loyalty, that I should give back to the team for having given me the chance to fulfil my dreams."
Le Tissier explained that Athletic owed their red-and-white striped shirts to a link with Southampton, purchasing their first kits directly from the English club in 1909.
"I am not sure how many people know this story in Southampton, but I heard about it some years ago," he added. "The historians of the club were delighted to tell me."