How 'agent Adam Lallana' helped bring former Manchester United star Danny Welbeck to Brighton

The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker brings a wealth of Premier League, Champions League and international experience and the 29-year-old hopes to kick start his career in the top flight after an injury-hit spell at Watford.

Welbeck, who joined on a one-year contract, explains why he signed for Brighton, Adam Lallana's influence, how his experience will help the Albion youngsters and his huge admiration for old boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

How did the move to Brighton come about?

It was over a few weeks really. I have been in talks with 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.

What did you know of Brighton?

I have never been to Brighton before except for football so it is pretty new to me. Obviously you see the stadium and it's a nice stadium and it's a club that is run well from top to bottom. Everything is really positive, I'm really excited about t and can't wait to get going.

Was Adam Lallana key in your decision to join?

It really helps. 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.

You looked sharp at back end of last season...where are you at in terms of fitness?

I'm lacking match practice obviously as I've not played since the back end of last season.

But I feel fit, I feel strong and hopefully I can get going now with the training and hopefully be involved in the games. I'm looking forward to it and feeling ready. I can't wait to get going.

You won everything in the domestic game, many England caps and Champions League football so how can that help the youngsters at Brighton?

I was a young boy trying to make my name in the game at one point. I always remember professionals that were older than me that you look up and try to take a leaf from their book with how they go about things.

There is a lot of experience and it is something where you try to help the people around you. You can give advice on what you think could help and benefit them.

There are a lot of memories that I have from older pros who did help me along the way and I'll be looking to do the same.

You have played under some top managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger but which one stands out for you?

Obviously for me growing up at Manchester United and then for Sir Alex to give me my debut. I spent so much time with him from a youngster to becoming a man.

There is so much stuff that he taught me. You take a little bit from each and every one but I think Sir Alex from the start. I still speak to him today and he is someone that means a lot to me.

Ambitions to break back into the England squad at the age of 29?

There is a lot of competition, with great talent and great players in them positions that England have to choose from. For me first and foremost is to get playing for Brighton and give my all.

My mission is come here and score goals and help the team and help the club and that is the thing that is on my mind at the moment. Anything else that happens after that is a bonus.

What personal goals would you like to achieve this season?

I have targets and they are ones I will be hoping to make and surpass. I just want to be out on the pitch playing football and doing the thing that I love.

Can you help Albion achieve their top 10 ambition?

I know if I can contribute in the way that I want then that will help the club achieve this success and where we are looking to go to.