(Picture: Action Images)
Brighton midfielder Dale Stephens has insisted he never wanted to leave the club, and is just happy to be playing again.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who played an integral part for the Seagulls last season as they came tantalisingly close to promotion, was the subject of six Burnley bids over the summer.
However, with Brighton standing firm and refusing to let one of their star men leave, Stephens tried to force the move with a transfer request on the last day of the window, but that was rejected by the club too.
Some fans felt disappointed with Stephens requesting to transfer so late, but after releasing a statement about the saga on Twitter, Stephens now insists he never wanted to leave the Seagulls.
He told The Argus: “The statement I made was never about wanting to leave Brighton. I've enjoyed it here, I'm still going to enjoy it this year.
“What's been said has been said, I've tried to put that behind me now and think of the task ahead this season.
“I've enjoyed it from day one at this club and I still want to be part of this team this year.”
Having made just one substitute appearance for Chris Hughton's men this season, Stephens was back in Brighton's starting line up last night in their hard fought victory over Huddersfield.
After struggling against Brentford's midfield on Saturday, Brighton looked more controlled yesterday and Stephens, alongside Beram Kayal, was the reason for that.
And despite being out of contract at the end of the season, Stephens said: “I'm still looking forward to being up there at the end of the season and emulate the form we had last year.
“At the moment I'm concentrating on getting match fit and enjoying playing for the club.
“That was my second game this season. I missed a bit of pre-season through injury. I feel good and the only way I am going to get match fit is by playing. Hopefully I can continue playing in this team.”
