Matt O'Riley happy at Brighton amid Juventus links

Matt O'Riley says he is happy with Albion
Matt O'Riley says he is happy with Albion
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Matt O’Riley says he is “very happy” at Albion.

The midfielder, who put his side ahead against Fulham, has been intermittently linked with interest from Italian clubs, most recently Juventus.

O’Riley has done well in pre-season and his penalty took the Seagulls to within a few seconds of another opening-day win.

Rodrigo Muniz stuck just a few seconds from full-time to secure the Cottagers a 1-1 draw.

Asked about the reported interest in him, O’Riley said: “Honestly, I have no idea at the moment, genuinely.

“I try not to look at anything, just because for my peace of mind, it's better.

“Naturally, it crops up when people start speaking about things here and there.

“If your name's there that much, of course, there probably is some element of interest.

“But, at the same time, I'm having a lot of fun here, which is the main thing.”

O'Riley has spoken to head coach Fabian Hurzeler about his situaion.

He said: “I also did go up to him in pre-season just to reiterate the fact that I'm here as a Brighton player and I want to help the team as much as possible just because I was aware there was a lot of noise around me and I think that helps just settle the situation in general."

Asked where he expected to be after the transfer deadline, O’Riley said: “No, genuinely.

“I'm very happy here. I'm having fun. That's all I really know at the moment.”

O’Riley repeated his successful spot kick conversion in the final game of last season at Tottenham.

He said: “It's just nice to be on the pitch and getting some rhythm now, which is great.

“I've had a pre-season under my belt, as opposed to last season where it was all a bit chaotic when I signed.

“And then one day after, you get your leg broken.”

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