Nathan Jones today revealed he would have quit Albion, even if he had been offered a new deal.

Midfielder Jones and injury-plagued defender Paul Watson were released by Seagulls last week.

But Jones says he would have left anyway after starting just three League games as Albion avoided relegation from the Championship on the last day of the season.

Jones said: "I made my mind up two-and-a-half months ago it was time to go but did not want to say anything in the middle of our relegation struggle.

"I had a nice meeting with the manager after we were safe. There was no malice or bitterness when he told me I would not be getting a contract.

"But even if he had offered me another year, I would have turned it down.

"I knew in all probability I would not be playing next season and I need to be involved.

"I am not in football for the money, I am in it to play.

"If it hadn't been Brighton I would have left a long time ago. But the club and city mean so much to me so I clung on in the hope I might get back in the team.

"Because I had decided to leave anyway, the situation was not as bad as it might have been."

Jones was disappointed to be left on the sidelines after signing a year's extension to his contract last summer.

He said: "I had four seasons when I was never left out once so it was a shock to the system not to be playing."

Jones, 31, joined Albion from Southend on a free transfer when Micky Adams was in charge.

He said: "It was a brilliant decision to come to Brighton. It has been an amazing time in my life.

"I could have stayed at Southend in the comfort zone but wanted the challenge.

"Being at Albion provided me with the high-point of my footballing life which was playing in Wales at the Millennium Stadium in the play-off final last year.

"I wouldn't swap that for anything.

"I can't overstate how many good friends I have made at the club and in the city. I love the club, the fans and the players.

"I have an apartment which I will never sell because I see myself settling in Brighton once I've finished playing.

"It is a massive wrench to leave the place but I've got to sort out the rest of my playing career first."

Four other clubs want to sign Jones.

He said: "I hope to get tie up something with one of them in a couple of weeks. It will give me a fresh challenge. I am not surprised to get interest because of Albion's success. I want to keep doing what I do best - playing football."

Jones is confident defender Watson, who made four appearances in an injury-plagued season, will find another club after six years with Albion.

He said: "I spoke to Watto the other day and I'm am sure he will have no problem finding another club. He'll get plenty of offers."

Leon Knight is expected to sign a one-year's extension to his contract today.

He said: "It is cut and dried but the club and my agent have been going through the paperwork to make sure it is all in order.

"I can't wait to get it over with and sign."