As he signed for Tottenham, Bobby Zamora revealed he was ready for a full season in the Second Division before Glenn Hoddle finally swooped for his signature.

Zamora's heart was set on a move into the Premiership during the close season.

He returned for training with Albion last Tuesday, however, convinced he would have to put his dream on hold.

The 22-year-old completed his £1.5 million move on Friday and told The Argus: "All through the summer I was wondering if I would get my move into the Premiership.

"When nothing happened I told myself that everything was okay and that I was going to have a good season at Brighton.

"But things happened and fortunately for me Tottenham came back.

"I seem to have been linked with every club under the sun but when I found out that Tottenham's interest was real then that became the only club I wanted to join.

"Glenn Hoddle showed how much he wanted me by monitoring my progress for a year and a half.

"That is very flattering. I am sure some people must have thought he had a season ticket at Withdean."

Zamora oozed confidence as he stood on the pitch and looked around the magnificent White Hart Lane stadium bathed in afternoon sunshine.

He said: "I've always had self motivation and self confidence.

"I knew that if I worked hard and looked after myself hopefully things like this happen.

"Dreams do come true. This is the beginning of a fairytale for me."

Zamora will wear the No. 25 shirt and seems in the mood to equal that number in goals in the coming season. He is clearly unfazed.

He said: "I believe I can score at any level. There is only the ball, the goal and a few people in the way.

"There is no reason why I can't hit the back of the net. I always feel I can score."

Zamora was the leading marksman in the league for two seasons running as he ensured back-to-back championships for the Seagulls.

He said: "It's hard to pick out any single highlight but those two championship seasons as a whole were tremendous and a massive learning curve."

Zamora was signed for £100,000 from Bristol Rovers, where he spent a lot of time in the reserves.

He was rejected by Norwich and West Ham, the team he supported as a youngster.

He still remembers where he has come from.

"I have never been a big time Charlie. People have said that Brighton is just a one-man team but that is rubbish.

"Otherwise ten would be sitting on the bench or up in the crowd watching.

"Brighton's success while I was there was down to hard graft, a great togetherness, fantastic support. We had something special."

He singled out the managerial and coaching staff for thanks.

"I am grateful to Micky Adams for buying me from Rovers in the first place but I am equally grateful to Peter Taylor, Steve Coppell, Martin Hinshelwood, Bob Booker and Alan Cork. You name them.

"Everybody there has contributed to helping me progress. I really do appreciate all they have done for me."

Talking specifically about Coppell, he added: "He was tremendous. He gave me freedom to play the way I wanted.

"Steve and Dick Knight (chairman) had to balance the books and I know I might have left a problem for them but I am sure they will sort things out."

Zamora believes his former club can bounce straight back into Division One.

He said: "I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping they can do well this season."

Zamora made up his mind he could cut it in the Premiership last season when he got 14 goals, despite an absence through injury.

"I thought I was ready when I scored a few goals in Division One.

"I felt quite comfortable at that level. I was really looking forward to playing in every game.

"From then on I just hoped something would come along to take me into the Premiership and thankfully it has."

Zamora is aware of the expectations that will be placed immediately on his slender shoulders by Spurs' fickle fans.

He said: "I know the supporters will expect a lot of me and hopefully I can rise to the challenge and the team as a whole can push on.

"I am excited to be playing with players with a lot of calibre. Hopefully I can get a few games and a few goals.

"Every aspect of my game has got to be stronger and sharper because that's what the players are like in the Premiership."

Zamora will be inspired by the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Thierry Henry, saying: "They are top drawer and have proved it.

"I will look up to them and try to learn just like I will try to learn from my own team mates.

"Everybody can always improve and I am looking to do that here at Tottenham."

One reporter asked him about the years of frustration at Tottenham, wondering if he was aware of them.

Zamora laughed: "Oh no, tell me all about it!"