The 30-year-old left Valencia in the summer and attracted interest from a number of top European and English clubs.  The highly-rated offensive midfielder joins Albion on a one-year deal and brings a wealth of experience having played at the very top level in Spain, Europe and international football.  Capped 38 times by Spain, he has also won two La Liga titles with Valencia, the Uefa Cup in 2004 and also helped Los Che to the Champions League Final in 2001.

Gus Poyet explained, ‘Vicente is the special player we wanted. He has great qualities in terms of his ability and flexibility to play in a range of different positions, so plenty of quality.  Throughout his career, he has always attracted great interest from top clubs across Europe so this is a major coup to bring him to the Amex.  I am sure the supporters will have seen him in action in La Liga or in the Champions League and will be very excited by the prospect of seeing him in a Brighton & Hove Albion shirt.’

Vicente Rodriguez is excited by the prospect of adding a new chapter to his illustrious career.  He said, ‘It's a new chapter for me. I had a very good career at Valencia where I won trophies with the team and individually, and played 40 times for Spain, but I'm very motivated to begin a new part of my career here in England.  Playing in England is something I've wanted to do.  It's very important that Brighton has given me that chance to start playing again.  I hope to play very well and to help the team get into the best position this season; then if possible, become a Premier League player with this club."

Vicente hails the influence of his new manager Gus Poyet and chairman Tony Bloom on bringing him to Brighton.  ‘I'm happy to be here and now I have a very good chance to play in England. The confidence that I get from Gus Poyet and the chairman is very important to me.  I spoke to Gus and he explained the kind of offensive, attacking football that Brighton play. That suits me and I feel very confident here.  Yesterday when I went on to the pitch at the stadium I was really happy and convinced that I want to play games for Brighton. 

‘Hopefully I will become an important player for Brighton and I want to bring success for the fans.  It's very important that together with Gus, his team of coaches and the other players, we reach the Premier League together!' declared Vicente.