Friday 4 May 2018 11:03, UK
Brighton defender Uwe Hunemeier is returning to former club SC Paderborn on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Hunemeier was part of the Brighton team promoted to the Premier League in 2017, having joined the club from Paderborn in the summer of 2015.
The 32-year-old's role in Chris Hughton's squad became even more limited this season, Hunemeier having only featured in one Premier League game off the bench against Everton in October.
He has signed a two-year deal with Paderborn, who have secured promotion back to 2. Bundesliga.
Hughton paid tribute to Hunemeier as his departure was confirmed on Friday, as he said: "Uwe has been an outstanding player and professional for this club since the day he arrived, and while we are very sorry that he will leave us this summer, we completely understand his desire to play regularly.
"He played a significant part in our promotion season, as well as the near miss a year earlier.
"Fans will know about his performances on the pitch, but what they may not be aware of is his consummate professionalism in training and his lifestyle.
"This season his chances have been limited, understandably, but he has still trained at an incredible level, alongside others in a similar position, and if needed, I know I'd have had no qualms about Uwe coming into the side - as he showed for the match against Everton.
"On behalf of the club and also on a personal level, I would like to thank Uwe for his excellent service to this club - he'll go down in club history as part of the promotion-winning side - and wish him well for the future."
