Ashley Barnes has only got happy memories of his four years with Albion.
The 30-year-old striker, who scored more than 50 goals in over 170 appearances for the Seagulls, was reflecting on his time on the south coast in the latest Football, The Albion and Me podcast, hosted by Richard Newman.
Barnes joined Albion from Plymouth Argyle initially on loan in 2010 and four goals in seven appearances, including a debut strike against Tranmere, convinced Gus Poyet to sign him permanently that summer.
Barnes netted 20 goals in the 2010-11 League One promotion season and 14 in Albion’s first Championship campaign at the Amex.
Looking back on those days he said, “It was an incredible, I was buzzing because I knew straight away I had joined a special club.
“Gus Poyet got together a great squad and I had a great relationship with him. He’s still a hero of mine and I still speak to him now.
“We had Glenn Murray, Leo Ulloa and Craig Mackail-Smith as well so I had to adapt my game. But I could play in so many different positions, and I just wanted to be on the pitch. My only aim was to pull the shirt on every Saturday, it didn’t matter where I played.
"I felt loved by the Brighton fans. Perhaps I didn’t score enough goals for some of them, but nothing will change in my head about my time with the club.”
Barnes moved to Burnley in 2014 and has gone on to make more than 200 Premier League appearances for the Clarets, but he admits cutting his ties with Albion was hard for him.
“At one time I couldn’t see myself leaving but all good things come to an end and it was my time to move on. But I left on great terms with everyone at the club," he said.
“Brighton has come a long way from playing at Withdean and training at the University when I joined to where they are now, but I think for everyone to have those experiences made the journey [to the Premier League] means even more.”
Barnes is currently recovering from hernia surgery but hopes to play some part in Burnley’s nine remaining games when the Premier League resumes. They face the Seagulls at Turf Moor on the final day of the season.
To listen to Football, The Albion and Me podcast and find out Ashley's thoughts on one day returning to the club click here.