Done Deal: Leicester Snap Up Veteran England Defender Matthew Upson

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Leicester City have wrapped up the signing of veteran England international defender Matthew Upson on a one-year deal after he rejected the chance to stay with Brighton & Hove Albion, Sky Sports reports.

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The 35-year-old played 47 games this season for Brighton, winning the club’s player of the year award and helping them reach the play-offs, where they were beaten by Derby.

Upson began his career with Luton Town before joining Arsenal. After failing to establish himself with the Gunners he moved on to Birmingham and later West Ham and Stoke before linking up with the Seagulls after an initial loan spell.

During that time he earned 22 England caps, and even featured for the Three Lions at the 2010 World Cup.

Speaking about his new deal, he said that the lure of Premier League football was just too great to turn down.

“I would have happily stayed at Brighton for longer but having played the majority of my career in the top flight, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity test myself against the best in the country again,” he said.

“At my age I have to think about how many more chances I will get to play in the Premier League, but I never gave up. I am excited to join Leicester and am looking forward to the next chapter of my career.

“What I was really hoping for ever since I joined the Albion was to get to the Premier League with them but unfortunately we fell short on both occasions – but I will take a lot of positives with me from my time at Brighton and I want to thank the club for giving me a chance to play first-team football again last year.

“I hope that I haven’t made my last appearance at the Amex as I will be hoping to see Albion hit the Premier League soon. The club has world-class infrastructure with the stadium and the new training ground around the corner, and the players there are as hungry as anyone to take the club up.

“With a few additions to the squad and the right manager in place, then there is no reason next season cannot be the one and I will be keeping an eye on the results.”

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