Former Chelsea and Southampton left back Wayne Bridge has left Manchester City on a season-long loan deal for Brighton and Hove Albion.
The former England international has been left out on the cold at Manchester city by manager Roberto Mancini, who has used him very sparingly in the last few seasons. Wayne Bridge was a £ 12 million signing from Chelsea in 2008, but he has been finding first-team opportunities extremely limited. He has been spending the last couple of seasons on loan at West Ham and Sunderland. These loan moves are now once again extended towards Brighton and Hove Albion, who have secured him on a season long loan deal.
The 31-year-old has 36 international appearances with the England national team, but he has been left out on the cold by manager Roberto Mancini. He made 10 appearances for the Premier league clubs Sunderland, with whom he was on loan at last season. Brighton and Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has said that he is extremely delighted to bring in a player of the quality of Wayne Bridge, who has experience at the very top of the game. He has also said that the experience of Wayne Bridge will prove extremely crucial in the race for the promotion this season.
“There were a lot of things that had to come together to make it happen. It was not an easy one to secure, but this is what we want at this club. He’s a quality player. It’s difficult to say how happy I am because it’s not easy to get top-class players. He’s been one of the top three left-backs in this country for many years. We have all got to learn from him and I’m sure that he will have a very good season with us,” said Poyet.