Maty Ryan explains why he was released by Brighton after signing with Arsenal. While Ryan wished to remain loyal, Brighton made it obvious that he was not in their plans, and the 28-year-old eventually accepted a loan move to Arsenal last week. He told Sky Sports: "I signed a new contract last year and I wanted to stay but they let me go. I just want to play football and this is an amazing opportunity for me." Ryan added: "Brighton are a big club so it's not like I'm going to the lower leagues - but at the same time I need to prove myself here and show people that I can still play at this level. "It's a great challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to it. I know the manager from Ireland very well and we worked together at Tottenham when he was young so he knows what I can do." Ryan is expected to make his debut against West Ham on Saturday.