Adam El-Abd has revealed the tipping point for his departure from Albion after 20 years’ service.

The defender knew it was time to leave when his run of six starts ended with the return of fit-again skipper Gordon Greer against Birmingham last Saturday.

El-Abd, who makes his debut for Bristol City at home to MK Dons today, told The Argus: “I am the type of player that turns green sitting on the bench.

"It’s nothing personal against the boys with the shirt, because I respect Gordon and Matty (Upson) as very good players, and I appreciate the manager had a tough decision to make.

“I had a taste of football again, I loved that taste and I wanted more of it.

"It was obvious I wasn’t going to get that so I had to make a decision with a heavy heart because I really did love Brighton.

"I am never going to experience what I had done there again. It was unique."