AN ALBION fan favourite has promised fans the club will "always have a special place in my heart" after it was confirmed he would be leaving on a permanent basis.

Anthony Knockaert will remain at Fulham after spending the last season on loan at the London club.

Fans will remember the skilful winger for the huge part he played in earning Albion promotion to the Premier League, as well as his stunning long-range strike against Crystal Palace.

This was the last of his 27 goals for the club.

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And the Frenchman has said his time spent on the south coast will "stay with me forever".

In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, he said: "Today my permanent transfer to Fulham Football Club has been announced and I wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone associated with Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

"No words will ever be enough to express how thankful I am for the time I have spent at the club since signing back in January 2016.

READ MORE: Anthony Knockaert completes permanent move to Fulham

"My teammates, the staff and most importantly the fans have been absoutely incredible to me and my family.

"We have shared in some very special moments including promotion to the Premier League, staying in the Premier League and a trip to Wembley in the FA Cup.

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"However, nothing will ever match the love and support I received when I lost my father.

"It is well documented how difficult this was for me but without the club and the fans it would have been unbearable.

"For this, alone, I will be forever grateful.

READ MORE: Anthony Knockaert says it was tough leaving Albion fans

"These are moments that will stay with me forever.

"Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club will always have a very special place in my heart. I wish the club every success in the future.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

It has always been anticipated that Anthony Knockaert's loan move would become a full transfer.

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But, with the confirmation of his departure, Albion head coach Graham Potter thanked him for his contribution to the club.

He said: "The move has worked out well for Anthony, and I would like to wish him well for the remainder of the season and for the future.

"There’s no doubting his contribution to this club, as part of the promotion-winning team in 2017, and those first two seasons in the Premier League.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank him for his achievements.”