Matty Taylor defends defection after joining Bristol City

Matty Taylor says he "took it all under consideration" before completing his unexpected transfer from Bristol Rovers to Bristol City.

The 26 year-old centre-forward crossed the city divide on Tuesday in a move that has sparked inevitable outrage amongst sections of the Bristol Rovers support.

The player at the centre of the storm insists he has only acted in his own best interests.

"For me this was the right place to come and sign and to take the next step in my career. Obviously I had tow and a half amazing years there (Rovers), we've had big success, and I just want to keep having more success at a higher level now."

After addressing the media, Taylor joined his new teammates in training and pulled on the red colours of Bristol City for the first time.

Watch him here:

"I just thought it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down and finally I'm playing in the Championship and I'm looking forward to it."

I knew it would annoy them (Bristol Rovers supporters) quite a bit but obviously I didn't mean it that way and football is a job for me at the end of the day. I don't support either club and it's what I've got to do for myself, my family, and career-wise."

The 26 year-old wouldn't comment on reports of a police presence at his home in the last 48 hours since completing his transfer but tried to put his situation into some context.

"We just need to realise that it's football at the end of the day. It's a game of football. This is a job for me and it's not a job for most fans, to be fair, and I'm sure if they were put in my position a lot of them would do the same."