Schneiderlin wants to leave Saints if they don't qualify for Europe

Morgan Schneiderlin has reiterated his desire to leave Southampton should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The 25-year-old midfielder is currently with the French national team as they prepare for today’s friendly against Brazil.

Last summer, amid a flurry of transfer departures from the club, Southampton refused to allow Schneiderlin to leave despite the midfielder’s desire to ply his trade alongside Europe’s elite teams.

Schneiderlin and club officials held face to face meetings only for the player to be told he would not be allowed to leave Southampton – with Arsenal and Tottenham rumored to be possible destinations.

Shortly after those discussions were held Schneiderlin took to his Twitter account to vent his frustrations. The midfielder tweeted: “6 Years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour !!!”

Since that time, Southampton have made excellent progress under manager Ronald Koeman. They are currently in the hunt for a top-four finish, although they still trail fourth-place Manchester United by six points with eight matches remaining.

Despite their solid play, Schneiderlin maintains he will request to leave Southampton should the club fail to qualify for Europe.

“In August, I wanted to take a move but the club had lost too many players to agree to sell me,” the midfielder told the French publication L’Equipe.

“Since then I have had discussions with the leaders and I want to play at the highest level: it is important at 25 years old to finally know the Champions League.

“Given that, late in the season, Southampton may qualify for the Champions League and I can stay, who knows. I have no desire to be in front of my TV on Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Programming note: The international friendly between France and Brazil will be shown LIVE today at 4:00pm on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.