Gus Poyet has hit back at claims he made Fran Sandaza’s move to Albion a nightmare.

The Spanish striker, now back in Madrid searching for a new club after being released, says he felt “betrayed” by the Seagulls boss and deserved more playing time.

But Poyet has pointed at the League One table and suggested Sandaza does not have a case.

The former Valencia Mestalla hitman joined from Dundee United in the opening weeks of the season and will go down in folklore as the man whose last-gasp goal put Albion top of the table.

He said: “I had several good offers when I came to Brighton. I chose this club because the gaffer was talking with me on the phone for an hour-and-a-half trying to convince me.

“After that everything has gone bad for me. I have had just three starts and I think I didn’t deserve that. Just 570 minutes during the whole season and I’ve scored five goals. Is that bad?"

He added: “I’m so grateful to the city, to the club, to the team-mates and also to the supporters but personally the situation for me has been really unfair.”

Poyet said he understood Sandaza’s frustration but added: “I think if we had finished anywhere from second to 24th he had got a point.

" When you win the league, it doesn’t get better with him playing.”

Sandaza was a regular substitute as Glenn Murray and Ashley Barnes both reached the 20-goal mark and Chris Wood offered extra attacking options after signing on loan in November.

Poyet also answered complaints from Sandaza that he should have been given playing time once the League One title was secure.

He said: “There’s always a reason. It’s not just a case of us being bad people.

“Of course I understand he wants to play and to get a new contract. Unfortunately we could not do it.”

Sandaza’s goal tally included home and away strikes against minnows FC United. He also scored against Portsmouth and Plymouth.

He added: “I am grateful to the team because we have got a title in our hands. The nicest moment in the season was the goal against Oldham because that meant being top of the league.

“I hope to get a good club anywhere. Thanks to everyone that has supported me and congratulations to everybody.”