Departing Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi took the microphone from stadium announcer Richard Reynolds during his farewell lap of honour after the Manchester United game and, standing in front of the North Stand, gave a heartfelt and emotional address to the fans.
“First of all, I want to say thanks to Tony Bloom. You are a great owner and don’t forget that.
“I have to say thanks to Tony because he gave me the opportunity to meet the Premier League, to meet my amazing players, to meet and to know Brighton the city.
“You don’t know, but I have a special connection with Brighton city. I love Brighton city.
“This morning I went by walking to the city, thinking what we have done together in this 18 months and I think we gave our best. I gave my best, my staff gave their best. My players gave their best.
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“You have given me a lot. You don’t know, but a lot of times before the games, in the meeting room, I spoke about you to motivate my players. And my players always played to make you happy.
“Unfortunately we didn’t find an agreement with Tony and we took different decisions and I leave from Brighton. I’m sad but I know life and I know what I want to do with my life and it’s good like this, I think.
“I’m proud to have worked for you, for Brighton. I don’t forget at this moment from the beginning what you gave me. You gave me more than I gave back to you. And you will stay in my heart and our hearts for the rest of our lives.
“The last thing I would like to say: thanks to my players. You are fantastic people, fantastic players, I love them. I want to say thanks to the people who work inside of Brighton, special people, we have been happy to work in this club.
“For us it was an honour and thank you for everything. Goodbye!”