Adam Lallana, the former England midfielder, has announced that he will be leaving Brighton at the end of this season. After joining the club from Liverpool in 2020, Lallana has made 105 appearances for Brighton, including 94 in the Premier League. He expressed his gratitude for the “remarkable” journey he has had with the club but feels that it is time to move on.
Despite manager Roberto de Zerbi’s desire for Lallana to stay, the midfielder believes it is the right decision to leave. Lallana explained that he has been away from his family for the past four years and wants to prioritize being with them. He has been in talks with De Zerbi for the past few months, but ultimately, his family’s needs influenced his choice.
Lallana has made 29 appearances for Brighton this season, but he has been an unused substitute in two of their recent matches. Reflecting on his time at the club, Lallana expressed his appreciation for the football journey they have been on, particularly this season’s European campaign. Despite dealing with injuries, Lallana stated that he has enjoyed every minute of playing for Brighton.
The decision to leave Brighton was not an easy one for Lallana, especially when it came to informing De Zerbi. He described their relationship as being like that of an older brother, and it was challenging to have that conversation. However, De Zerbi understood and supported Lallana’s decision once he mentioned that his family was the driving force behind it.
Having won 34 caps for England and achieved success in both the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, Lallana still wants to continue playing. However, he acknowledges the need to take some time to rest and reflect after this season. While he believes there is still more to give on the field, he felt that it was the right time to leave Brighton. Lallana had always intended to leave the club when the timing felt appropriate, and now it seems that the moment has arrived.
In conclusion, Adam Lallana’s decision to leave Brighton at the end of this season is driven by his desire to be with his family. Despite the support and wishes of manager Roberto de Zerbi, Lallana believes it is time for a new chapter in his career. As he reflects on his time with Brighton, Lallana expresses gratitude for the journey they have undertaken together. While he still has the desire to continue playing, Lallana recognizes the importance of taking a break and evaluating his options.