Sebastien Pocognoli has revealed why he gave up any lingering hope of a deal with Albion.

He has told why he stuck with the Seagulls when the chance came to move on.

And why he just had to have one final fling with his colleagues of eight months before he could call time on his memorable season at the Amex.

The Belgian international left-back has signed with Standard Liege for a third time, on a three-year deal, after running out of contract with West Brom.

He enjoyed almost a full season on loan with the Seagulls last term and turned down the chance to go elsewhere in January when his own playing time was limited.

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But, having received no contact from Albion this close season, the deal back at Standard was too good to resist.

Pocognoli, married with a one-year-old son, said: “I loved my time at Brighton.

“If I had to leave I felt it would not be for another Championship club.

“The chance of coming back to Standard was too good because it is like my home. I came through the youth set-up here.

“I could have waited to see if anything came from Brighton later in the summer.

“I’m quite sure the club wanted to sign a left-back and that I was on a shortlist. Maybe there would have been something later if I had waited.

“But I had not heard anything from them, they knew my situation and I couldn’t wait too long when the offer came from Standard.

“That’s not a problem. I was very happy with my experiences with Brighton and in the Championship.”

Pocognoli had barely played first team football for two years when Albion brought him in after Liam Rosenior was injured.

He grew in importance as the season wore on and was essentially Chris Hughton’s awayday left-back in the final weeks of the season.

He said: “I felt part of the team. I felt like I played a big part in the season. I felt my contribution was good and I think the club were happy with it.

“There were options to go to another Championship club in January and it might have been an easy decision because I wasn’t playing much.

“But I felt I had signed a season-long loan so I should stick with it until the last game of the season.

“I saw it as my job to stay at Brighton and keep fighting. It turned out to be the right decision.”

As one of the team, Pocognoli celebrated promotion at Easter and then suffered the disappointment of missing out on the Championship title.

That was a sour note, especially as he produced his most shaky performance for the club in the draw at Villa Park.

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He then stayed with the group and made sure he enjoyed the promotion parade along Brighton and Hove seafront.

He said: “Villa was disappointing but the game when we really had to win the title was the one at home to Bristol City.

“It was harder at Villa. Actually, a 1-1 draw at Villa Park is not a bad result.

“What made it hard to take was conceding a goal five minutes from the end.

“But the parade was a good end and made fantastic memories for the team and the supporters.

“Having been with the team throughout the season I wanted to finish it with the team at the parade.

“I think of winning promotion like a title anyway.

“I have had a couple of those, in England and Belgium. Some players don’t get any in a career.

“If you get those opportunities to celebrate you have to do it.”

The abiding memory of Pocognoli’s time at Albion for many will be his brilliant free-kick at QPR which turned out to be the winner.

He also provided the pinpoint cross for the decisive goal in the 2-1 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

But he said: “All the season was special. It was my favourite season.

“QPR was special with the goal, Sheffield Wednesday was special.

“I remember the win against Leeds, the game at Wolves. Every game really.

“And I remember the team spirit we had. I spoke about that the first day I was at Brighton.

“I hope they keep that spirit next season.”