Bruno believes he is about to join the best league in the world with Albion.

Even though his country has Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Manchester City, the Seagulls' opening Premier League opponents at the Amex next month, thrashed Madrid 4-1 in Los Angeles this week.

It was only a friendly and the European champions were without Christiano Ronaldo (below) - but it supports Bruno's view that the Premier League is better than La Liga.

The Argus: Albion's veteran Spanish skipper also thinks the top clubs in England are closing the gap on the two giants in his homeland.

Bruno told The Argus: "I think there is a battle between the Premier League and La Liga about which is the best league in the world.

"In Spain, because we have Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of the best teams in the world, everyone is saying we are the best.

"But they know in terms of the whole league, organisation, all that stuff, the Premier League is much better.

"And in terms of trying to catch up with Real Madrid and Barcelona, I think they are almost there. I can see in a couple of years the teams are going to be there with them."

Bruno, 36, helped Almeria thrive in La Liga after promotion earlier in his career in Spain.

The strength in depth of the Premier League will make it tougher for the Seagulls but he is confident they can come through the opening examination by City and the 37 that follow to retain top flight status.

He said: "When I got promoted with Almeria everyone thought we would be going down and we finished eighth in the league.

"Players who people think will be unbelievable in the Premier League may not be and others who are not expected to play well are going to be unbelievable.

"It's different football, a different environment, much pressure. You have to handle that.

"Eighth would be nice but in Spain the difference between the teams wasn't that big. We know here there are six or seven teams that are strong.

"If you do really well then eighth or ninth, maybe you can be there, but you see a lot of teams after getting promoted going straight down.

"We don't have to be scared of anything. It's eleven v eleven and everyone has to show their qualities. I think we've got a really good squad and we can make it."