DON’T GET ON HIS CAIC FANS TOLD BY DE ZERBI

ROBERTO DE ZERBI has urged fans to get behind Moises Caicedo for the remainder of the season despite the midfielder publicly stating he wants out of Brighton.

Caicedo (above) is poised to return to the squad for today’s clash with Bournemouth having failed to force a move before the transfer deadline.

Albion turned down two bids from Arsenal for the Ecuador international.

Having last week expressed his desire to leave the club in an open letter posted on social media, Caicedo was given time off until the transfer window closed and missed the FA Cup win over Liverpool.

“I was always honest and clear with you and I want to also be this time honest and clear,” said boss De Zerbi. “I am very happy Moises stays with us until the end of the season.

“I want to speak to our fans because I want them to support him. I don’t want them to criticise him. I love Moises, the people who work inside of Brighton love Moises, he’s a good guy.

“I don’t know if he made a mistake or not but the transfer market is closed and the fans must follow me because I take responsibility for him. And if I say something so clear about Moises, they have to believe in me.”

Caicedo returned to training on Wednesday following his short period of leave. The 21-year-old, who has scored twice in 26 league appearances for Brighton, has a contact until 2025.

De Zerbi (left) is unsure if Caicedo will remain at the Amex beyond the summer but continued to defend the player’s actions as he alluded to Leandro Trossard’s recent departure to Arsenal.

“I don’t know,” replied the Italian boss when asked if Caicedo will exit before next season.

“I want to be responsible about him because I believe in Moises. I don’t know the situation in the future but he’s a good guy and I want to defend him now.

“In other times I spoke a different way for the other players but for Moises it’s different.

“We need the performance of Moises and he’s a fantastic guy and so I don’t want to hear criticism or anything more.”