"The chance to play in the Championship was something I couldn't turn down at this stage, what if the chance never came around again?" said Ricketts.
"I thought about spending another season at Swansea to try to win promotion, but there's no guarantee of that.
"I owe Swansea a lot for helping me earn international recognition, but hopefully the move will only help my Wales career."
His former boss at Swansea wasn't so sure.
"Obviously I'm biased, but I believe his career would have been better served staying at Swansea," said Kenny Jackett.
"He's settled here, well-valued, and has pretty much an automatic place.
"I wouldn't say he's risking his international place, but there's been a lot of focus on him playing in Wales and that has helped his security in the squad.
"I'd have liked him to have one more crack at promotion here. If we'd failed, other offers would have come in.
"It's disappointing to lose someone who can play on either side of defence and has done well here, but these things happen and we will move on.
"Defensive cover may now be an issue for the squad, but there's no lack of ability here and we will be able to replace Sam."