ALBION boss Graham Potter has admitted he was not surprised to see Davy Propper announce his retirement.

The former Albion star announced he was leaving the sport after he lost his love for football.

Current manager Potter managed the 30-year-old before he returned to Holland to play for his old side PSV.

He said: "It doesn't come as a massive surprise to me the announcement if I am honest.

The Argus: Former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Davy Propper announced his retirement from football aged 30Former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Davy Propper announced his retirement from football aged 30

"I know Davy was struggling and found it tough.

"A Dutch guy living in the UK in lockdown, so he didn't get to see much of his family and friends and that was an added pressure.

"For me he was a great guy to have around, always professional, always trying.

"But that is life sometimes, these things happen and people want to do different things and I fully respect that.

"He is a grown man, Davy.

"He had all our support while he was here and we wish him the best now."

Potter told the media that it was possible to see that Propper was having a tough time during the lockdown and that he was unable to see his family and friends.

He said: "I would say it was even a little bit before with Davy.

"You could tell he wasn't quite himself, wasn't quite what was needed and there are many things for that.

"We spoke at length with Davy and supported him through a tough time in his life, really.

"It is not easy to start that process of thinking maybe football is not the right thing for me and it is a big decision to make and I think Davy has made a brave one.

"I want to wish him all the best in his future life."

Propper joined Albion in 2017 and went on to make 121 appearances in all competitions and scored two goals.