Official: De Zerbi leaves Brighton at end of season

The connection between the English football club Brighton and Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi will at the end of the current season by mutual agreement, the emblem that plays in the English football league announced today.

The 44-year-old coach, who had more years on his contract, will the ‘seagulls’ for the last time on Sunday, at home, against Manchester United, featuring Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, on the last matchday of the championship.

‘We have mutually agreed to terminate Roberto’s contract at a time that is convenient for both parties, allowing us to plan for next season as soon as possible and giving Roberto time to consider his next step and future,’ said Tony Bloom, president of Brighton, in a statement.

De Zerbi, on the other hand, emphasized that this decision gives him time to plan his future.

‘Leaving now gives me time to take a break before deciding on my plans for the future,’ said De Zerbi, adding that he is ‘very sad’ to leave Brighton but ‘very proud’ of what has been achieved over the past two seasons.

The Italian took over the team in September 2022, after Graham Potter moved to Chelsea, leading the club to sixth place in the Premier League, their best result in history.

In their first ever participation in European competitions, the ‘seagulls’ reached the round of 16 this season in the Europa League, being eliminated by Roma.

The second season of the championship was more challenging for De Zerbi and his team, currently in 10th place with 48 points before the final matchday.