Former Burton Albion captain John Mousinho has admitted leaving the Brewers was a difficult decision, but accepted that chances were going to be at a premium for him at the Pirelli Stadium this term following an influx of defensive arrivals over the summer.

Mousinho left the Brewers for Oxford United on Thursday night, having been released from his contract at Albion earlier in the evening.

His departure came as somewhat of a shock to Burton fans, but for the player himself, he acknowledges it was probably time to move on.

Mousinho has been an integral part of the club both on and off the pitch during Albion's rise from League Two to the Championship since his arrival in 2014 - and last season's remarkable second-tier survival was Mousinho's first taste of football at that level.

Burton Albion captain John Mousinho in action
Burton Albion captain John Mousinho in action

He made 32 appearances last term, showing his versatility around the pitch - playing in both central midfield and at the heart of defence, earning himself a new one-year deal in the process.

However, he's started just two games for the Brewers this term, missing out the last four league games due to a combination of a hamstring injury and Brewers boss Nigel Clough opting to go with other players instead.

The likes of Jake Buxton, Stephen Warnock and deadline day signing John Brayford have made competition for places fierce.

And Mousinho, at 31 years-of-age and approaching the twilight of his career has opted for a move away from the Pirelli and has joined a League One Oxford side that are gunning for promotion.

John Mousinho

A combination of a move closer to his native London and a chance of more game-time made for an attractive proposition, and Clough wasn't going to stand in his way.

"We said to John that if he had the opportunity to get a longer contract with a club which was also further south and that was the best thing for him then we wouldn't stand in his way," Clough said upon his departure.

"He has been a magnificent player for the club. It will be sad to lose him.

"We have Jake Buxton, Ben Turner, Kyle McFadzean, Tom Naylor and a lot of options at centre half so it was a geographical thing and regular football for John.

"He's been a brilliant captain and we will miss that off the pitch as much as on it – and that’s a tribute to the man he is."

The Brewers will miss Mousinho, and from what the former Stevenage man has said reflecting on his departure, the feeling is very much mutual.

"It wasn't an easy decision," Mousinho told the Oxford Mail .

"It's a slightly strange one because I only signed for Burton again in the summer and that was with the aim in mind to play as many games as I could and hopefully match my appearances last season.

Burton Albion captain John Mousinho
Burton Albion captain John Mousinho

"The conversation came with Burton that possibly chances would be limited following this transfer window.

"It was a case of staying and possibly sitting there until January and not having a single game, or drop down a league, get a new challenge and get the hunger back.

"For me, being wanted this much by Oxford was a no-brainer.

"I just thought 'go where you're wanted and back yourself to get back there (to the Championship)'."

John Mousinho in action for Burton Albion against Newcastle United
John Mousinho in action for Burton Albion against Newcastle United

By the time the deal had been announced at 9pm on Thursday evening, it was finally the end to what would have been a hectic day for Mousinho.

"It is a bit mad, everything is very strange and the phone is ringing off the hook," he added.

"It's just a case of getting everything sorted with the paperwork so it's done before the 11pm deadline.

"It's always a bit tense, but quite exciting at the same time.

"I woke up with lots of questions to be answered from Burton's side and Oxford's.

"It was a case of a lot of back and forth to get a lot of the details done."

Now Mousinho is looking forward to a new chapter in his career, and the flexibility he has shown over the years at the Pirelli could stand him in good stead at Oxford.

"I started my career as a right back, but have played the majority of my games in central midfield," he continued.

John Mousinho celebrates during Burton Albion's win at QPR in 2016/17

"Then over the last three years I've moved back to centre half.

"I haven’t had a chat with the manager (about positions), I think he knows I've got that flexibility.

"I probably expect to play centre half, but I don’t really know.

"As much of a cliché as it is, I'm happy to play anywhere."