DJ Campbell said he tried to remain professional at Leicester City as he waited for the completion of his transfer deal to Blackpool.

The striker said the months since his loan at Bloomfield Road ended in May, when he had to return to City, had been tough as he yearned for a permanent move back to the Seasiders.

Campbell said he desperately wanted to rejoin Ian Holloway's men, but was determined to be professional at City until a deal was done.

Campbell certainly appeared committed as he scored five goals during pre-season for City and opened his league account in the 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season.

Because of his form, boss Paulo Sousa said he thought Campbell had a big role to play for City this season, but the 28-year-old expressed his desire to join Blackpool and a deal was eventually done, now believed to be worth £1.25 million according to reports in Blackpool.

Campbell immediately flew out to Latvia with his new team-mates and scored their consolation goal in a 2-1 friendly defeat to FK Jelgava on Thursday night. "The last few months have been hard for me," admitted Campbell

"I am a footballer and I obviously wanted to still be professional at Leicester.

"It was difficult though. I kept in contact with a few of the lads at Blackpool.

"They showed me support by letting me know they wanted me to come back.

"My agent was speaking to the club so we knew that both parties wanted to do it. It was just about whether it was going to get done. Finally it has gone through and I am just delighted.

"I'm really pleased to be able to work with Ian Holloway again and the lads, although there's quite a few new lads here now.

"They've had some good results so far in the Premier League and I just want to be part of it and score some goals."