Roberto De Zerbi said he “saw lot’s of Robertos on the pitch” as his Brighton side valiantly bowed out of the Europa League.

De Zerbi said he was proud of his team for the way they responded to the 4-0 first leg defeat to Roma last week and that he loves his players even more for the way they performed.

The Albion boss added that “we saw the real Brighton tonight” as Danny Welbeck’s curling score saw his side leave the Europa League this season with a win.

De Zerbi said in his post-match press conference: “We saw our team play with pride today. I knew that they could play with pride.

“As I said after the game we lost 4-0 it was a big defeat but I love my players even more.

“I knew my players were capable of responding this way.

“They are special people who put their pride before other factors.

“They were really hurting after our loss to Roma as I was.

“What we have achieved this season again in the Europa League is an unexpected result so I think we should be even prouder of that.

“I was especially proud because today I saw lots Roberto’s on the pitch. I suffered as well as they did. Today we saw the real Brighton.”