WATCH: De Zerbi leaves Brighton but is hopeful of Premier League return one day | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi is hoping for a return to the Premier League in the future, with his final game as Brighton manager ending in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

The Italian joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in September 2022 following Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea. He led Brighton to a club record sixth-placed finish last season which also secured European football for the first time in the club’s history.

This season has been a stark contrast, with Brighton crashing out of Europe in the round of 16 and finishing 11th in the league.

De Zerbi says he was unable to reach an agreement with Brighton with regards to extending his future but hopes for a return to the Premier League one day.

“We didn’t find the right agreement to move on and stay together, but nothing changes for me. I know very well what I want in my life, what I want from football. Football is my life and I can’t change my passion, my target, my style of life.

“I respect the club, I respect everything, and I have to be thankful to Tony Bloom and his family, Paul Barber and the whole club because they gave me the opportunity to work in the Premier League, which is the best league in the world.

“This group of players has been the best in my career in terms of relationships. They gave me the chance to discover Brighton and I have an incredible connection with the city. I love this city and I’ve got a great connection with the fans too.

“I know my DNA, I know my level of my passion, I know what I need to feel good in life and to feel good in my work. There isn’t another club right now. I haven’t had any offers. You can choose if you believe me or not but it’s like this.”

Return to the Premier League one day? “I hope my story in the Premier League is not over. I hope to work in the Premier League again, but I don’t know when or where. It’s been an honour working in the Premier League. The stadiums are incredible and the atmospheres are unique.

“If I have to stay at home for three, four, or five months, it won’t be a problem for me because I will study different games, different teams and different coaches. Every year is different and you have to stay knowledgeable if you want to stay at the top level.

“I hope to find a solution before the season starts but at the moment there isn’t any team.”