Roberto De Zerbi has been told he can be proud of the Albion team he is building.

The Seagulls’ head coach embraced opposite number Daniele De Rossi near the end of last night’s second leg at the Amex.

De Rossi appreciated his Roma side were given a tough task over two legs, despite the 4-1 aggregate scoreline.

He said: “There is affection and admiration on my part for De Zerbi.

“He must be proud of what he created here.

"A smaller team going out in the last 16 in European competition with all stadium on their feet applauding.

"Not because it is the English spirit but because they have produced two excellent performances and lost against a strong team."

De Rossi felt a goal by Sandar Azmoun should have been allowed to stand.

He added: “I thought we could have do something more on the counter-attack but we should have been cleaner in possession.

“The goal was good, from what I see.

“The match could have ended much earlier, this must also be said.”