Official: Milan-linked De Zerbi confirms Brighton exit – 'I am very sad'

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.”