Tino Livramento Defends Decision To Leave Chelsea For Southampton

The 18-year-old came through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge but made a £5m switch to the Saint Mary’s stadium at the start of the season in search of regular first team football.

Livramento has produced some enterprising displays at right back for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side since the switch and a won a penalty against his former side in the Premier League last Saturday.

The England u-21 international remains grateful to Chelsea for his development but with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James ahead of him in the pecking order, he maintains it was the correct decision to try his luck elsewhere.

He said: "I feel like if I stayed there or did other things, then [playing Premier League football] wouldn't have happened as quick as it has now. I wouldn't say I have any regrets but it would have been nice [to have played for Chelsea].

"I had to think what was best for me. Being young, I've always wanted to just play first-team football as soon as possible.

"It was a hard decision for everyone involved. They agreed that it was best for me as well and they've always looked after me.

"I was at Chelsea for so long and grew up a fan and never played at Stamford Bridge in a competitive game. Saturday was a bit weird but I just enjoyed it that bit more playing against Chelsea and people I have trained against.

"I had a season ticket there for three years and my dad and brother still go - my brother is still a Chelsea fan.

"You watch games there and coming through the academy I played a few youth games there on the pitch but nothing compares to a full packed-out Premier League game. It just felt a bit weird being on the other side.

"I'll never have a bad word to say about how they treated me growing up and developing me into the player I am today. It's probably the best academy in the world that anyone would want to go to and develop."