Tariq Lamptey departed Stamford Bridge for the Amex Stadium on transfer deadline day and the Chelsea academy graduate says leaving the club he has been since the age of seven was one of the toughest in his life.

The youngster made his Premier League debut for Chelsea in their 2-1 win away against Arsenal and despite the blue offering him a contract extension decided to head elsewhere.

There were several overtures for him from Lille, Crystal Palace,Newcastle and a host of other clubs who wanted to snap him up on a free transfer in the summer.

In his first interview since joining the seagulls,the 19 year old English born Ghanaian admits it was a tough decision to leave Chelsea.

"It was a really tough decision to leave as I’ve been at Chelsea since the age of seven and seen it all the way to the under-23s, and then the first team", the English-born Ghanaian said.

He added, "It was a proud moment when I made my Premier League debut, but I felt that it was the right time to start a new chapter and come to this brilliant club.

"The manager and the club have shown great faith in bringing me here. I just hope I can repay their trust, and help the club reach their goals and objectives"he added.