Darren Bent has told Sky Sports News he had to leave Aston Villa after too many "slaps in the face."
The striker has joined Brighton on loan for a month after failing to start in the Premier League this season.
Paul Lambert's side are the lowest scorers in the league with just six goals and go to Burnley on Saturday two points above the relegation zone.
And Bent, Villa's record 24 million-pound signing from Sunderland, insisted he had to leave Villa Park after not getting a chance.
"In Paul's first season it was difficult but this last season has been a bit more difficult because preseason went well, he brought me back in but even though the team struggled to score goals and win matches I still wasn't given an opportunity to play," he said.
"There are only so many slaps in the face you can take before you have to go and look elsewhere."
Bent stands by to make his Brighton debut at home to Fulham, where he was on loan last season, in the Championship on Saturday.
Sami Hyypia's Seagulls are 20th in the table but Bent insisted dropping down a league was not an issue.
"It happened pretty quickly, I have been on at the manager about getting out for a bit and playing some games," said the former England international.
"I heard Brighton were interested and it's been a bit hectic but I'm glad to be here.
"It's just about getting back to playing games again, it's been far too long not playing football and it's a chance to play some games and get some sharpness back."