Bruno has taken an instant liking to Albion’s head coach Graham Potter after joining his backroom team.

The retired skipper has been appointed senior player development coach, a new role helping players new to the club to adapt, as well as mentoring the under-23s and supporting loan departures.

Bruno said: “I really like Graham’s ideas, what he wants to do and how he wants to do it. I’m going to try and help as much as possible and learn from everyone as well.

“I want Graham and all of his staff to be successful. I’ve been at this club for seven years and I’m now here to help the staff, players and younger players as much as I can.

“I’m really happy and excited to start new challenges. It’s a new role and I can’t wait to start pre-season and be with all the staff and players.

“That transition from playing to whatever you’re going to do is always going to be difficult, but I’m really thankful to the club for the way they’ve helped me.”

Bruno took his coaching badges over the summer following his farewell appearance in Manchester City’s title crowning at the Amex in May.

The 38-year-old Spaniard’s role revision was kept under wraps until the players reported back yesterday from their summer break to the Lancing training complex.

Bruno said: “The reaction was really nice, they were surprised because they didn’t know. We tried to keep it really quiet because I wanted to see their reaction.

I’ve been with quite a lot of them for a really long time. We have really good friendships and it’s so special to stay with them.

“I’m looking forward to helping from the outside. When you’re a player, you focus on your own game and it’s not always easy to help others.

“I’ll now be looking at the sessions from the outside, seeing the bigger picture, and I’m really looking forward to helping the players become even better.”