Tariq Lamptey says it was a very difficult decision to leave boyhood club Chelsea but felt his development was best served at Brighton, where he has signed a three-and-half year contract.

Lamptey signed for the Blues at the age of eight and progressed through the Academy ranks as a diminutive, pacey wide player who can operate in either a defensive or attacking role on the right flank.

The 19-year-old’s old deal with Chelsea was due to expire in the summer, though there was a feeling around the west London club that he could be convinced to remain at Stamford Bridge after being handed several appearances in the first team recently.

But Lamptey made it clear he would not be signing a new deal – a decision which shocked old boss Frank Lampard – and says Brighton offers a better platform for his career, report the Metro.

He shot to the limelight when he made his debut as a second-half substitute at the Emirates when Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in December.

“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,” said the teenager after Brighton confirmed the transfer.

“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.

“They are a team on the up with a great fanbase, training ground and stadium and they have everything I need to become a better player.”

Describing his playing style, Lamptey continued: ‘I’m very hardworking and will give everything for the team on and off the pitch.

“I’m quick, tenacious, I’ve got good skills and am good in one-v-one situations both offensively and defensively. I give everything for the team and I don’t stop smiling!

“Because of my position, I look at people like Dani Alves for way he plays as an attacking full-back. He loves to get up and down and is someone who plays with flair and tenacity.

“I also like [N’Golo] Kante because he’s got great work rate. Someone who I also looked up to, although he was not in the same position as me, was Ronaldinho because of his positive outlook on football.”

Photo Credit: Twitter @OfficialBHAFC