Inigo Calderon says Brighton is his home and that he always wanted to come back to the club, following his appointment as men’s under-18s head coach.
The 41-year-old spent six years with Albion between 2010-2016 and became a club legend, making 198 appearances and scoring 18 goals before leaving to join Cypriot club, Anorthosis.
He spent a season in Cyprus before joining Indian Super League side Chennaiyin for two years, but after starting his coaching career at hometown club Alaves, Calderon said it was only a matter of time before he arrived back on the south coast.
Inigo said, “I’m so, so happy to be back in Brighton. I’m really excited to start working with the boys and the staff.
“I went to Cyprus and then India, all while still doing some scouting for Brighton, so we have always stayed in contact. I loved my experiences around the world, they gave me another view of football, but this is my home in England.
“I always said I wanted to come back. I didn’t know how or when but it was always my aim and this feels like the right time. I loved my time here as a player, it was a special period in my career.
“My love for Brighton has become even bigger and better so I can’t wait to get started again.”
Calde’s coaching experience at Alaves began with the under-23s as assistant head coach in 2019, before he became under-18s head coach – the same role he’ll have here at Albion.
The former full-back believes his time coaching in Spain – along with playing in four different countries – has helped his career get to where it is today.
The Spaniard said, “When you stay in different countries, you see things differently. Playing in different countries and coaching around the world gives you new ideas.
“It gives you another perspective of how to play, and you can see the good things and bad things. I’m happy to have been in so many places because it’s helped me become a better coach.
“I want to help our players here at Brighton get the maximum out of themselves as players and as people. We’ve had a meeting already and I’ve told them they’re in the best place they can be as young footballers.
“I’ve been to a lot of places and know for a fact that this is one of the best. When you’re here and around the place, you can feel that Brighton is a special club. It’s up to the players to make the most of their opportunity here, and up to us as coaches to help them.”
While Inigo is confident in his own ability as a coach, he also wants to keep improving and is ready to learn from others around him.
“I am going to try and learn from everyone, that’s what I’m here to do. I will coach and help players but I’m also willing to learn.
“I will learn from Roberto [De Zerbi] and Shannon [Ruth, under-21s head coach] but also Melissa Phillips and coaches of younger age groups. That’s what I always try to do.
“This is a special time for the club. The way it’s grown since I’ve first arrived is amazing and the coaches here are fantastic – obviously Roberto is one of the best in the world.
“To learn from these people is exciting and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”