Levi Colwill has taken a swipe at Thomas Tuchel after opting to stay at Chelsea rather than sign for Brighton.

The England under-21 international had been linked with a move to the Seagulls after impressing on loan at the club last season.

However, Colwill has now agreed a new six-year deal with Chelsea worth more than £100,000-a-week.

In an emotional farewell message to Brighton, Colwill thanked the club for giving him the opportunity to play Premier League football "when no one else did".

This was a clear swipe at Tuchel, who sent Colwill out on loan to Huddersfield and Brighton despite his impressive performances in the Championship.

Colwill said that he was "proud to have played a small part in the clubs success last season" and thanked Brighton's fans for their support.

He also thanked Roberto De Zerbi, who was Brighton's manager last season, for challenging him and helping him to develop as a player.

Colwill's decision to stay at Chelsea is a boost for new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino is said to have quickly put things right in a private meeting with Colwill and has promised him a fair amount of playing opportunities in the left-sided centre back role.

The 20-year-old is now looking forward to the challenge of breaking into Chelsea's first team and establishing himself as a regular starter.