Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season to spend more time with his young family.
The 36-year-old has made 103 appearances for Brighton since joining from Liverpool in 2020 but says the upcoming games against Chelsea and Manchester United will be his last in a Seagulls shirt.
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The former England international told the club’s official website: “It was a tough decision, but it just feels like the right time, not just for myself but for the club as well. I’ve been in talks with Roberto [De Zerbi] for the past couple of months and he expressed his wish for me to stay and keep playing.
“However, after taking a little time to think about where the football club is at, and having been away from my family for the last four years, I just feel it’s the right time.
“I’ve been speaking with my family throughout the year and the biggest influence on my decision was my kids, who need me around a bit more at the age they’re at. I feel it’s time in my life and in my career to put them first.
“Last week I told Roberto, the club and my team-mates, who are extremely important to me. Now I just want to enjoy my last week, get a couple of really positive results, and finish the season on a high.”
Thank you, Adam. 💙🤍 The midfielder will leave Albion at the end of the season. 🤝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 13, 2024
Head coach De Zerbi said: “We are losing a great man and great player. It has been his decision and we have to respect that.
“He has been a key player for me in my time here. At the beginning, Adam Lallana, Adam Webster, Pascal Gross, they followed me from the first day, and he will be a big loss for us.
“He is very smart, he loves football, he loves playing football. He understands the game as a player and as a coach, but I think he could play another season in the Premier League for sure.”
