Fulham keeper Maarten Stekelenburg was sent to Coventry before he 'escaped' to Monaco.
Getwestlondon has learned ex-Whites boss Felix Magath issued a bizarre edict that players were to have nothing to do with the Dutch international because he was not part of future plans.
Stekelenburg has broken his silence by admitting he saw a loan move to Monaco at the beginning of last season as a way out of his torment.
Even so, the World Cup international played only four times for the French giants, but now has the chance to get his career back on track with Southampton after the Whites loaned him a second time.
“Monaco was not frustrating,” Stekelenburg said. “No, it was my escape from Fulham.
“The loan was my only way out (of Fulham). I knew the situation when I signed for Monaco.
“The goalkeeper did a fantastic season – I knew the situation but I didn’t want to have one more year like that. I wanted to play and I get the chance here at Southampton.
“Of course, it is frustrating being on the bench. I know my level, I know what I can do. But you also need a chance to show it. I am just happy with this chance here and hopefully I can continue like I did against Vitesse.”
Stekelenburg, who is contracted to Fulham until 2017, made a sound start to his career at St Mary’s last night as Saints beat Vitesse Arnhem 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round.
He made an excellent save from the substitute Milot Rashica when the score was 2-0.
