Albion's former captain Danny Cullip revealed today it was his decision alone to leave for Sheffield United.

Manager Mark McGhee and chairman Dick Knight did everything they could to tempt him to stay, including the offer of a lucrative new three-and-a-half-year contract.

But Cullip is reaching the peak of his career and wants to test himself at the highest level, which he says would not have been possible at Albion because of the Falmer stadium saga.

Rumour and gossip has been rife among Seagulls supporters over the reasons behind Cullip's departure since the 28-year-old signed for the Blades on Friday for a £250,000 fee which could rise to £400,000 if they are promoted to the Premiership.

Now Cullip has put all the conspiracy theories and speculation to bed about why he traded the blue and white stripes for the red and white of Sheffield.

He said: "It was a very hard decision, not one I took lightly, but it is the right one for my career.

"As soon as I knew about Sheffield's interest I was interested because it is still going to take another two or three seasons before Brighton are in a new stadium and they are really my prime seasons.

"The stadium situation was a major factor, as was a club the size of Sheffield United. They have a stadium, they get decent crowds and they are at the right end of the table.

"You want to be playing at the highest level you can in the best stadiums. Unfortunately, until John Prescott gives Brighton the right decision I am in my prime years and it wasn't going to happen for me.

"The chairman and manager went out of their way to keep me. They offered me a very good contract, for this season and three more, but I made it clear to the chairman it was not about money, it's about stepping up to the next level. It was my decision and mine alone.

"The chairman was really gutted because we've had a good relationship over the years but Sheffield have been up there for the last four or five seasons and it was too good for me to turn down.

"The easy thing would have been for me to sign a contract with Brighton, where my family are settled.

"I've got two young kids, one of seven months and one three-and-a-half. It's a massive upheaval, so it's not a decision I took lightly. When I found out about Sheffield's interest I had a long, hard think.

"If it was all about money then I would have waited until the end of the season, when I would have been on a Bosman, but my daughter starts pre-school in September, so I wanted things settled and organised. I'm a creature of habit.

"If I hadn't taken this opportunity I might have regretted it. I just want to test myself."

Cullip did Albion a favour on his debut on Saturday by helping Sheffield United to a 2-1 home win against the Seagulls' fellow Championship strugglers Cardiff.

Watching was Micky Adams, a Blades supporter, who launched Cullip's eventful five-year journey with Albion by buying him from Brentford.

"I enjoyed every single minute of it, scoring the goal at home to Chesterfield to win Division Three, the back-to-back Championships when we weren't on paper the strongest team and didn't get the credit we deserved and the Millennium Stadium last season for the play-off final," Cullip said.

"Micky took me to Brighton with four or five of the other lads who are still there. To achieve what they have in the last five seasons with so many changes of manager does him and them great credit.

"I'd also like to thank the fans for all their support. It would be fantastic if we went up and Brighton get that extra money for selling me."

Cullip does not have to wait long to renew acquaintances. Albion visit Bramall Lane on January 15.