DANNY WELBECK turned down a money-spinning move to Turkey to stay in the Premier League and join Brighton.
SunSport understands the ex-Watford striker had an offer of £140,000 a week from a Super Lig club – believed to be Fenerbahce.
NINTCHDBPICT000615449154Credit: Instagram / @officialbhafc
But he turned it down in order to join Albion on a one-year deal for nearly three times less as he wanted to continue his career in England’s top flight.
Welbeck, 29, revealed ‘agent’ and former Three Lions team-mate Adam Lallana played a key role in persuading him to come to the Amex.
Asked how his Seagulls switch came about, Welbeck explained: “It was over a few weeks, really.
“I have been in talks with (Brighton technical director) Dan Ashworth and with the club.
“I have been meeting members of staff and having chats with Adam Lallana as well.
“Agent Lallana, isn’t it! Everything was really positive, so I made my decision and I’m here.
“I obviously know Adam from earlier on in my career and we still speak.
“To see him come here and to have conversations with him about the club… he has given me great reviews and it’s something where it does help you with your decision.”
Between them, Welbeck and Lallana have 76 caps and 19 goals for their country but would have an awful lot more were it not for injury in the last four years.
The last of Welbeck’s 42 Three Lions caps came in a 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland in September 2018.
And the wide forward, who managed just three goals for the relegated Hornets last term, is fully aware how tough it would be to break back into Gareth Southgate’s squad.
The ex-Manchester United starlet said: “There is a lot of competition, with great talent and great players in those positions that England have to choose from.
“My mission is to come here and score goals and help the team. That is the thing that is on my mind at the moment. Anything else that happens after that is a bonus.”
Danny Welbeck celebrates after a successful trickshot
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
