New Manchester City signing Wayne Bridge admits he had to leave Chelsea for the sake of his career.
The England international spent just over five years at Stamford Bridge, picking up two Premier League titles along the way, but was never able to establish himself as a first-team regular.
He filled back-up duties for the likes of William Gallas, Asier del Horno and Ashley Cole during his time at Stamford Bridge, consistently finding himself knocked down the pecking order as soon as an opening appeared.
He admits the lack of faith shown in him by Jose Mourinho and Luiz Felipe Scolari eventually persuaded that the time was right for him to accept the offer of taking on a new challenge at ambitious City.
"There was a time when I would have a run of games strung together, but then Ashley would come straight back in," he said.
"I just felt that it was never going to work for me there. I was always on my phone to me agent, saying I don't think this is going to happen. It was time to move.
"I had opportunities to play, and thought I played well, but at this time I just thought I was never going to establish myself there.
"It was time to move and I'm excited to be here. It looks like big things are going to happen and I'm just glad to be part of the progression.
"I always like to work hard and I'm sure everyone here will see that. I just want to start playing football week in week out and I think I will get better and better."
Bridge insists ousting Cole from Fabio Capello's England team was not a major motivating factor for him, but he admits that he still harbours international ambitions.
"It would be in the back of my mind. Just being here and playing football is my priority," he added.
"Every player wants to play for their country and not sit on the bench, though, and I want to get on the pitch playing."
City boss Mark Hughes is delighted to have secured the signature of a proven top-flight talent and is backing Bridge to be a success during his time at Eastlands.
"He's certainly one of the top left-backs, not only in this country but in Europe," said the Welshman, who played with Bridge during his days at Southampton.
"We are delighted he's here. He has the right quality and determination to show people exactly what he can do and that's the type of player we need here.
"He is an undoubted talent and has proven that over many seasons in the Premier League."
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