Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge has signed for Brighton and Hove Albion today (Friday 6 July).
The former Chelsea and England left back has joined on a season-long loan deal from the Premier League champions.
Bridge, 31, was one of Gus Poyet’s main summer targets and the Albion boss is delighted to have sealed the deal with the player and his club.
Poyet said: “It’s difficult to say how I happy I am because it’s not easy to get top-class players.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have Wayne with us. He’s been one of the top three left backs in this country for many years.
“There were a lot of things that had to come together to make it happen.
“Firstly, David Platt has been great at Manchester City and then Wayne and his agent have helped a lot too.
“It was not an easy one to secure but this is what we want at this club.
“He’s a quality player with lots of international experience.
“Wayne has played at the top of English football for a long time.
“We have all got to learn from him and I’m sure that he will have a very good season with us.
“It’s going to be very nice to sit back and watch him on the pitch.”
Bridge brings a wealth of top-flight and Champions League experience to the Seagulls squad after racking up more than 500 senior appearances throughout his career to date.
He also has 36 England caps.
He graduated through Southampton’s academy and became a regular in their first team before Chelsea signed him for about £7 million nine years ago.
In six years at Stamford Bridge he won the Premier League in 2004-05 and a cup double in 2007 as the Blues clinched the FA Cup and League Cup.
He joined Manchester City for £12 million in January 2009 and has made 58 appearances for City.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium he has also had loan spells at West ham United and Sunderland before signing at the Amex this afternoon.
