Jansson explains why Leeds sold him following £5.5million Brentford transfer

Pontus Jansson says Leeds sold him due to Financial Fair Play regulations - and 'saw that they could make money' from letting him go.

Fan favourite Jansson has left Elland Road for Brentford after the Whites accepted an offer of £5.5million for the defender.

The Swede became a popular figure in West Yorkshire during his three-year stint with Leeds, scoring nine times in 120 appearances in all competitions.

But he was unhappy when boss Marcelo Bielsa allowed Aston Villa to score in a game late in the season after perceived gamesmanship from Leeds.

“This is how football is,” Jansson told Swedish daily Aftonbladet.

“Leeds needed to sell to get a better balance in their accounts because of the financial fair play rules, and then they saw that they could make money from me.”

Bielsa told Jansson he was not part of his plans following the end of the campaign, and he has been training with former club Malmo so far in pre-season.

The 28-year-old courted interest from across Europe including Toulouse, Fenerbahce, Celta Vigo and Mainz - but told his agent he wanted to remain in England.

While hoping to play in the Premier League later in his career, Jansson did not feel he could pass up the chance to sign for the Bees.

“I told Martin [Dahlin my agent] that I wanted to be in England when it became this situation," he added.

“There were several flattering suggestions from different clubs, but I enjoy it [in England] and I have made a good name in this country.

“My ambition is to play in the Premier League, but I also did not want to wait for the right club from the Premier League to appear later this summer and risk losing this chance.

“I felt early on that Brentford was the right choice for me. It is a carefully thought out choice.”