Ulloa: I Felt Back To My Old Self

Despite losing 3-1 to Manchester City on Wednesday evening, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Leonardo Ulloa revealed the good feeling he felt on the pitch, as he fired his first Premier League goal for the club.

The Argentine striker drew the Seagulls level at the Etihad Stadium, only for the Premier League title holders to score twice more - and Ulloa highlighted the quality shown by Albion’s opponents.

He said, “They are champions and it’s so difficult to play against them because they have the ball most of the time. We made some mistakes, but I thought we were competitive during the game.

“At 1-1 we needed to defend well, but they have so much quality and when you make a mistake, you concede.

“I’m happy about my goal, but sad that we lost. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but I’m happy because I feel like my old self with good fitness and physical qualities.

“I felt good and I know I have to play more regularly, but whenever I play I try to help the team score.”

Ulloa has been limited to a handful of appearances since returning on loan from Leicester City, but the forward accepted that Albion’s top goalscorer, Glenn Murray, has deserved his run in the side.

“It’s not easy - but as a striker, whenever you score you are happy because strikers live off goals to help the team.

“I came here to fight for my position and Glenn [Murray] has been very good in the second part of the season.

“I know the situation, but now we’ll see what happen with Leicester at the end of the season and what they want to do.

“I’m so happy to stay here, because I’m comfortable. However I don’t want to think too much about that and just need to focus on the end of the season.”

Ulloa went on to admit he’s desperate to get another summer of pre-season training under his belt, as he looks to bounce back from a difficult period and remain in the Premier League.

“First of all, I need a good pre-season and afterwards I will see. Whether that’s at Brighton, Leicester or elsewhere.

“It’s been a difficult year for me, but with a good pre-season I can be more physical. Of course, I still think the Premier League is the best league. I want to stay here.”