Roberto De Zerbi says he will take time before deciding on his next step after leaving Albion.

The club have announced today he will depart after their season-ending fixture at home to Manchester United.

In a statement, De Zerbi told fans he was very sad to be leaving.

He said: “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.”

At his last pre-match press conference, he spoke about being grateful to Tony Bloom for the chance to coach the Seagulls.

But he also talked about how the club and squad could develop next season.