Moises Caicedo claim it was an easy decision to pen a new deal at Brighton despite going public with his desire to leave just months earlier.
The Ecuador star has just penned a new contract that will keep him at the Amex until 2027. Caicedo has excelled at the Seagulls having arrived as an unknown quantity with the south coast outfit mounting a charge for the Champions League as they continue to punch above their weight.
His impressive performances had attracted the interest of Arsenal and Chelsea back in January. Both sides were in the market for new midfielders and made moves to sign Caicedo, who was more than receptive to their offers as he claimed he would've been "proud" to bring in a record transfer fee.
Brighton maintained their player wasn't for sale and the 21-year-old has now committed his future to them. He told the club's website : “It wasn’t a hard decision. If it had been a hard decision, I wouldn’t have signed. I’m happy with everything at the club and that’s why I signed.
"I’m focused here on Brighton, the club which opened the doors. I am very happy to be here and really pleased [with the new contract]. I don’t even think about the speculation. I am focused on Brighton and doing things well here. I am very happy here with my colleagues, with all the club and I will keep giving 100% for this club.”
His comments come less than six weeks after Caicedo called on the Seagulls and their fans to "understand" his want to leave the Amex and join one of the Premier League's elite sides.
Back in January he said: "I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart. I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
"I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful. The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
Caicedo has remained focused since his January saga and played in Brighton's thumping 4-0 win over West Ham at the weekend. The Seagulls have adapted seamlessly since Graham Potter's departure and currently sit in eighth - seven points off Tottenham in fourth with three games in hand.
