A MURAL of Albion legend Bruno was not removed because of his move to Chelsea.

A recent Twitter post showed scaffolding over the building in Ditchling Road, Brighton, saying “don’t know who left quicker, Bruno or his mural”.

Bruno joined Graham Potter, Billy Reid, Bjorn Hamberg, Kyle Macaulay and Ben Roberts in a whirlwind move that was concluded in just over 24 hours.

The Spaniard was at the Albion for more than 10 years before joining Potter at the London club last week.

The Argus: The mural was painted over weeks agoThe mural was painted over weeks ago (Image: Newsquest)

The company now based at the building has confirmed the mural was removed around two weeks ago after it moved in, not because of Bruno’s departure.

A staff member at the company, called Revolution Recruitment, said: “Our business has now moved into that office, the previous business had it put up.

“The mural was taken down before he left.”

Fans joked on Twitter saying “they took the mural with them too?”, while another quipped that it was some “serious asset stripping by Chelsea”.

The Argus: Bruno Saltor was a key figure on and off the field for BrightonBruno Saltor was a key figure on and off the field for Brighton (Image: PA)

Another fan called for a mural of chairman Tony Bloom in the city.

The mural was put up in November 2019 with the words “once a seagull, always a seagull” – quoting the Spaniard as he addressed Albion fans on the pitch before retirement.

It was met with some criticism and Bruno’s face received a facelift.

Bruno played 225 times for Brighton, captained them to the Premier League, before retiring after the Manchester City game on May 12, 2019.

The Argus: Bruno before his facelift in 2019Bruno before his facelift in 2019

The 41-year-old became a senior player development coach from June 2019, acting as an important component for Graham Potter, who had just joined from Swansea.

Chief executive Paul Barber spoke this morning about the departure of Bruno and goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts.

He said: "We had hoped Bruno and Ben would stay with us, but we understand that when unusual and rare opportunities come along, we respect people’s ambition and people’s right to want to further their own careers.”

Barber added that the club is working through its list of potential managers.