ALBION captain Bruno believes it would be easier for him to cope physically in the Premier League than the Championship – even at 37.

The Spanish right-back has been granted a further year’s contract extension by the Seagulls, carrying him through to June 2018 and beyond his 37th birthday.

Bruno told The Argus: “We’ve got and we’ve had a lot of players with Premier League experience and they all say the Premier League is easier (on the body) than the Championship.

“It’s more tactical. Physically as well you play once a week instead of twice a week which is really tough.

“But, of course, you are playing against better players and that’s tougher in other aspects.”

Bruno has not ruled out being fit to lead Albion for the 83rd time in 85 league games at Leeds on Saturday after limping out of Friday’s win against Derby with a groin injury.

“It was prevention, because my groin was feeling tight,” he said. “Three games in six days and we were 2-0 up. It was the right decision to be sensitive, hoping to be fit on Saturday.”

A third straight win at Elland Road will keep Albion on course for a top two finish and automatic promotion.

Father-of-two Bruno has reiterated his declaration to The Argus in December that going up with the Seagulls would be the highlight of his career.

The ex-Valencia defender, signed in 2012, said: “It would be the top one. I’m happy with my career, to have played in the Champions League and La Liga, with and against really important players and big teams, but Brighton are in a much stronger position now than when I came here.

“We have grown up together and to see not just the club but the city, the fans, everything around, it would be the most special one. It would be the cherry on the cake.

“I’m really happy the club thinks I deserve another year. I’m really happy for my family as well. They are settled in Brighton and Hove. Since the first day we’ve enjoyed the city, the atmosphere. It would be quite tough to move them from England.”