Adam Lallana has hailed ‘genius’ Brighton owner Tony Bloom and ‘special’ manager Roberto De Zerbi as he signed a new contract with the club.
The 34-year-old, who joined the Seagulls in 2020 from Liverpool, has agreed a deal keeping him at the Amex Stadium until the summer of 2024.
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Lallana has signed a new deal that lasts until the end of next season
After putting pen-to-paper, the former England midfielder said: “When being asked to extend there were two key factors I considered. Firstly, can I still contribute and add value?
“To know how much the club itself wanted me to stay was very touching. I know how smart and strategic these guys are. To know the value they placed on what I can bring really meant a lot.
“Secondly, it was the club itself. From top to bottom this place is a beacon of good practice, and I want to be part of it.
“The owner is a genius, and his leadership team, people like Paul Barber [chief executive] and David Weir [technical director], are making decisions all the time in the best interests of the team and club.
“Then of course our manager, Mr [Roberto] De Zerbi. The faith he’s shown in me personally, I don’t think I could do justice in words to be honest but I’ll try.
“He is special, really special. I’ve been blessed to work with great managers in my career and this guy is right up there.
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Lallana has worked under managers including Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino
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But De Zerbi is one of the best he’s worked with too
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“He teaches, he inspires, he makes teams and individuals better. He’s the full package. When he said he wanted me to stay longer there was no way I could turn that down.”
Lallana has made 74 appearances for Brighton since his arrival on the south coast and netted four goals in the process.
Seagulls boss De Zerbi said: “I am absolutely delighted for Adam, it is an honour for me and the club to continue working with him.”
Brighton, who are seventh in the Premier League with 39 points, are next in action when they host Crystal Palace on March 15.
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