Former Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown has opened up on his departure from south coast side, revealing that the club could not afford to keep him on their books.

Brown, who made 57 appearances for Pompey over the course of two seasons, left the club at the expiry of his contract in July 2011.

Despite being a key part of Pompey's side during the 2010-11 Championship season, making 24 appearances, there were certain contractual conditions in place on his deal which proved to be a sticking point considering Portsmouth's financial predicament at the time.

Michael Brown, speaking exclusively to 888sport, said:

“It was simple really. If I played another game I was getting a new contract and the club decided I wasn’t playing."

Brown and his teammate Richard Hughes were entitled to new contracts with increased wages that season if they made one more appearance for the club.

Pompey could not afford to pay the salary increase for both players, instead offering the pair revised contracts on reduced terms, that were subsequently turned down.

From December onwards, Brown and Hughes did not feature for Portsmouth again that season as a result.

The former Pompey midfielder added that during that period, he was desperate to help the club secure their Championship status, but was powerless.

"All I wanted to do was play for Portsmouth Football Club. I loved playing for them and it’s a shame me and Richie Hughes were not allowed to anymore at a time when we were needed," Brown added.

Read the full 888sport interview with Michael Brown to get his thoughts on Portsmouth's chances against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

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