Adam Lallana says the future is bright for Albion as he calls time on his stint at the club.

The former England midfielder is leaving after four seasons to be closer to his family.

But he has not ruled out a return to the Seagulls in some capacity in the future.

Lallana wants to enjoy a final week which brings home games against Chelsea and Manchester United.

He said: “The club are in an unbelievable position.

“Everything that has come out of this year – the financial numbers the club have recorded, European football, hopefully finishing top ten again.

“These are massive steps.

“I think maybe not being in Europe next year might just be a little leveller that everyone needs at the club.

“Take a bit of time to reflect over the summer, rebuild, a couple of clever acquisitions that the football club always do, and then the club are going to be a proper, proper threat next year.

“I think the talent that is inside this building will be up there with any other football club in the Premier League.

“And being carefully nurtured by the old boys in the squad I think is a perfect blend and it’s a recipe that has been a big part of why Brighton has been so successful.

“I think it is those senior lads that I am going to miss as well – a lot.

“They have been an extreme help to me over the past four years.

“The dressing room is up there with the best I have ever been involved in.

“I have been involved in a couple of top, top level dressing rooms, especially the one at Liverpool that won everything.

“I would honestly say this is up there on a par with that.”

Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi had hoped Lallana would sign a new deal.

But the former Liverpool man can see himself returning to the club.

He said: “I’m only going to be down the road!

“I genuinely feel I will be back here in some capacity in the future.

“Football has a funny way of going around in circles.

“That was why it was important for me to leave in the right way, no ill-feeling towards my decision.

“I think everyone has understood.”

De Zerbi will speak to the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s visit from Chelsea.