Davy Pröpper will say goodbye to Brighton & Hove Albion and its supporters in an extensive open letter on Tuesday. The 29-year-old midfielder left the Premier League club this summer and returned to PSV after four seasons of absence. Pröpper is very grateful for the warmth and support he has felt during his stint with the Southern England club.
“I want to start with a word of thanks to all the people at Brighton who have helped me and the supporters who have supported me during my four seasons at the club,” the departed midfielder opened his letter to the Seagulls. “I had a great time at the club and I am happy that I was able to play more than a hundred games. It gives a good feeling that we have really made progress as a Premier League team,” said the PSV player, who admits that he had to get used to it in his early days in Brighton.
“My time with Brighton I will never forget.” ??
Davy Propper has penned a heartfelt open letter to Albion fans following his departure. ??
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 20, 2021
“The move from the Netherlands to England was difficult, because it is such a big change,” continues Pröpper, looking back on the English years. “Physically, the level in England is really a lot higher. The intensity during matches in the Premier League is completely different, so I really needed an adjustment period. But luckily it went smoothly from the start and as a team we have always shown that we belong at the highest level in England.”
For Pröpper, the intensive period in Brighton was sometimes a rollercoaster of emotions. “If we really needed the points, we always put things in order at the very last minute. Winning against Manchester United to protect life and the semi-final against Manchester City in the FA Cup, those were great moments with a fantastic atmosphere in the stands. Those are really the moments I cherish.” The midfielder also suffered setbacks, particularly in his last season with Brighton.
“It was not a great year on a personal level due to injuries, but I could always count on the club at such difficult moments. I really can’t think of anything bad about the coaching staff and the Brighton players. I am proud to have them and that I played with them. Football is sometimes a difficult thing, because you often have to say goodbye to people. But I have nevertheless made friends for life at Brighton. Now there is a new challenge at PSV in the ahead, with the league title and European football as goals. But I will never forget my time in Brighton,” concludes the grateful Pröpper.