Former Portsmouth forward Svetoslav Todorov insists he was forced to leave Fratton Park because the club showed no desire to keep him.

The Bulgarian, who has now joined Charlton on a free transfer, believes Pompey's decision to offer him the same terms of contract as outcast Collins Mbesuma gave him no option but to head for the exit.

"Pompey's offer was the same contract as Collins Mbesuma's," Todorov told The Portsmouth News.

"Come on! I have respect for myself.

"The final reason why I left is there was not a big effort to keep me.

"I helped Portsmouth into the Premiership and I helped keep them there, but the club made me a really poor offer.

"It's about being valued, the club made no effort in my view.

"There are no hard feelings from me, though, I really appreciate all the support I was given.

"The fans don't know how much their support means to me.

"I have spent a big part of my career with Portsmouth so it is hard to leave, but sometimes hard decisions have to be made."