Moises Caicedo, a midfielder for Brighton, said on Instagram that he intends to leave the team.
The declaration follows Brighton’s Friday rejection of Arsenal’s £60 million offer for the 21-year-old.
“I feel as though I have always done my best,” Caicedo wrote in his article, “and I am grateful to Brighton for providing me the chance to come to the Premier League.”
Caicedo has 26 Premier League games, two goals, and a contract that lasts through 2025.
The Ecuadorian international added in a statement, “I always play football with a grin and with passion. “I’m honored to have been able to secure a transfer record for Brighton, which will enable them to reinvest the money and support the team’s ongoing success.
“I was raised in poverty as the youngest of ten children in Santa Domingo, Ecuador. My lifelong goal has been to become Ecuador’s most decorated player.
I hope the fans can understand why I want to take advantage of this fantastic chance because they have given me their hearts and will always hold a special place in mine.
At a news conference on Friday, Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi said the midfielder was “relaxed” and “focused exclusively on Brighton.”
I spoke to him like a parent, not like a coach, the Italian remarked.
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The wisest course of action for both him and us would be for him to remain with us through the completion of the current campaign.
Following his team’s FA Cup fourth-round loss to Manchester City, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was questioned about Caicedo but would not comment on the player.
You already know that I won’t remark on any players until anything has been done.
Brighton, who have reportedly rejected a £55 million offer from Chelsea, do not want to sell the player given that they are presently sixth in the standings and have the chance to move up to fifth if they win their two games remaining against Tottenham.
The Seagulls sold Neal Maupay to Everton for £15 million, Yves Bissouma to Tottenham for £25 million plus add-ons, and Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for £60 million in the summer.
Leandro Trossard departed them earlier this month to join Arsenal for an initial £21 million.