Schneiderlin moved from French club Strasbourg to the Saints in the summer of 2008, when promotion back to the Premier League was top of the south coast club’s agenda.
But Southampton finished 23rd in the midfielder's first season and found themselves in the third tier of English football, where they remained for two seasons before the first of successive promotions which took them back to the top flight.
It was a painful experience for the club, who had been in England’s top division from 1978 to 2005, but a valuable one for Schneiderlin, who last month moved to Manchester United on a four-year contract.
"All my life, I have been working for this moment to happen," he said. "Before, I could have moved but I was not physically ready when I was younger.
"Now I am 25, with the experience I have behind me, it’s a good step up for me. There are new players, good players, a good club with a good structure. I can’t wait to show what I can do.
"I went to Southampton when they were in the Championship and the target was to get in the Premier League – and they went down! That was the best thing to happen to me.
It toughened me up physically and mentally. Going into League One could have made me sad or worried about my future.
"But I was strong mentally and I was surrounded by good people who made me understand how I had to get better. I’m really grateful for that.
"I grew up with the club at Southampton. I learned a lot in my League One and Championship days, and it was the best thing for me to grow with the club. I am a better player than I was a few years ago and I’m ready for Manchester."
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