Tino Livramento: Southampton defender says Chelsea exit was wanted to attain Premier League dream

Tino Livramento admits he wanted to go away Chelsea for the great of his profession.

The 18-year-old right-back has starred for Southampton since his £5m summer season swap from the Blues.

He performed his first aggressive sport at Stamford Bridge within the Saints’ 3-1 defeat on Saturday, profitable the penalty which James Ward-Prowse transformed.

Livramento is now with England U21s forward of Thursday’s Euro 2023 qualifier in Slovenia and is aware of leaving his boyhood membership was the fitting transfer.

He mentioned: “I really feel like if I stayed there or did different issues, then [playing Premier League football] would not have occurred as fast because it has now. I would not say I’ve any regrets however it could have been good [to have played for Chelsea].

“I needed to suppose what was greatest for me. Being younger, I’ve at all times needed to simply play first-team soccer as quickly as doable.

“It was a tough determination for everybody concerned. They agreed that it was greatest for me as nicely they usually’ve at all times sorted me.

“I used to be at Chelsea for therefore lengthy and grew up a fan and by no means performed at Stamford Bridge in a aggressive sport. Saturday was a bit bizarre however I simply loved it that bit extra enjoying in opposition to Chelsea and folks I’ve educated in opposition to.

“I had a season ticket there for 3 years and my dad and brother nonetheless go – my brother continues to be a Chelsea fan.

“You watch video games there and coming via the academy I performed a number of youth video games there on the pitch however nothing compares to a full packed-out Premier League sport. It simply felt a bit bizarre being on the opposite facet.

“I am going to by no means have a foul phrase to say about how they handled me rising up and growing me into the participant I’m as we speak. It is most likely the most effective academy on the planet that anybody would need to go to and develop.”

Livramento is amongst a gifted group of English right-backs, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker high-class competitors for a spot within the senior facet.

“All of them praise one another so nicely, they’re all so good at what they do individually that it’s so onerous to choose one to start out each sport,” Livramento added.

“All of them have totally different qualities and it’s inspiring trying as much as them, particularly somebody like Reece who was at Chelsea and has executed rather well, performed his video games now, made that step as much as the seniors and hasn’t appeared again.”