Welbeck 'proud' of Brighton despite Roma defeat

Danny Welbeck insisted Brighton should be "proud" of their first ever European campaign, despite bowing out to Roma in the last 16.

The Seagulls won 1-0 at the Amex but could not overturn a 4-0 deficit from the first leg of their Europa League tie.

Welbeck admitted the defeat was disappointing after a night when he scored the game's only goal.

He said: "The lads gave 100%, it's difficult obviously with the first leg. Very difficult to take that defeat.

"We paid the price with the first leg. We knew we could get a result in front of the fans tonight but it was too much to do.

"We've got a lot of very good players that are out [injured] as well. With the squad, we have to be proud of ourselves and we did the best that we can do.

"It was nice to get the goal. Last week I got some good headers and the keeper made some good saves."

The aim for Brighton now will be to qualify for the Europa League again, with Roberto De Zerbi's side currently sitting eighth in the Premier League.

Welbeck added: "We want to keep improving and progressing as a team and as a club. There's a great culture at the club.

"We're going to do our best to get back to playing in these competitions.

"Brighton [being in the Europa League] is historical. First time in Europe, bringing European football to Brighton was massive in itself but there are some steps we need to take to keep bringing European football to Brighton."

The Seagulls now have a two-week break before returning to league action against Liverpool on Easter Sunday.