Official: Milan-linked De Zerbi confirms Brighton exit – “I am very sad” | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that head coach Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after their final game of the season.

De Zerbi arrived a Brighton in September 2022 after Graham Potter left for Chelsea and he has been widely praised for his work with the club, guiding them to a European place last season and reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League this season.

Brighton Chairman Tony Bloom explained on the official website why the decision was taken for De Zerbi to leave the club, revealing that it came after discussions about the future.

“Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans.

“We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future.

“I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and fully deserved send off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s match.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work in the past two seasons. They all leave our club on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future.”

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De Zerbi gave his thoughts on what will be two years with the Seagulls, expressing his gratitude for the experiences that he has had.

“I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons.

“We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

“I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.”

Reports have suggested that the former Sassuolo boss is one of the names that Milan are evaluating as a potential successor to Stefano Pioli, but the previous obstacle was his release clause which will now be gone.

As a player De Zerbi came through the youth academy with the Rossoneri and he has never hidden his attachment to the club, so perhaps we can expect the rumours to reignite again.