Ex-Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has opened up about his failed stints in the English Premiership.

The diminutive attacker first joined Aston Villa on loan in 1994 where he scored just three goals in less than a dozen appearances in all competitions.

The 45 year old then moved to Conventry where he again struggled to establish himself as an important member of the squad.

He eventually bid England goodbye in 1996 when he signed for Italian side Venezia in a bid to relaunch his career.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Graphic newspaper, Odartey explained why he failed to live up to expectation in England.

“It was really too much for me, to me it was a wrong decision to move to England at that time”

“I went there because Anderlecht did not want to approve of my stay in Holland, which would have helped me much and I was also not willing to return to Belgium.

“It was not easy to fit into the [Premier League] in those days. Their style of play was too robust for my liking and besides, I met very tall players, so I struggled to cope.

“Their style of play never suited me at all. The players were not only tall but also they liked playing long balls and running for them.

“I was short and skilful at that time so it affected my performance so much.”