Southampton defender Tino Livramento has heaped praise on Chelsea for the role that they have had in his career.

The highly-regarded academy player was allowed to depart Stamford Bridge in the summer having turned down the offer of a long-term contract.

Livramento took the decision due to Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta standing in his way, and the 18-year-old's judgement call has so far paid off with seven starts coming in the Premier League.

While the prospect is now fully focused on life at St Mary's, he has spoken of his time in West London and the experience of facing his former club last weekend.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Livramento is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "I feel like if I stayed there or did other things, then playing Premier League football wouldn't have happened as quick as it has now. I wouldn't say I have any regrets but it would have been nice [to have played for Chelsea].

"I had to think what was best for me. Being young, I've always wanted to just play first-team football as soon as possible. It was a hard decision for everyone involved. They agreed that it was best for me as well and they've always looked after me.

"You watch games there and coming through the academy I played a few youth games there on the pitch but nothing compares to a full packed-out Premier League game. It just felt a bit weird being on the other side.

"I'll never have a bad word to say about how they treated me growing up and developing me into the player I am today. It's probably the best academy in the world that anyone would want to go to and develop."

Despite featuring in a Southampton side which succumbed by a 3-1 scoreline, Livramento earned the visitors a second-half penalty.

The right-back also won the praise of Blues fans, who called for Chelsea to exercise an alleged buy-back clause in the future.