How Dani Alves and N'Golo Kanté inspired Brighton's deadline day signing Tariq Lamptey

Q&A with Brighton and Hove Albion's transfer deadline day signing from Chelsea.

Leaving 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. 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.

On Brighton: “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.”

The 1-1 draw between Albion and Chelsea on New Year’s Day: “It was an amazing game, and I thought Brighton played excellently in the second half when they scored a fantastic goal,” he said. "The fans were amazing and ecstatic at the end of the game. While I was warming up, I was thinking that there’s something very special here.”

On his game: “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!

Inspirations: 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.”