“The journey we’ve been on as a football club was remarkable and I was fortunate to be here this season during a European campaign,” he added.

“I feel like I’ve played quite a lot of football this season, maybe a little bit too much with all the injuries we’ve had, but I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I’ve been speaking to my family throughout the year and the biggest influence on my decision was that my kids needed me.”

The midfielder says he has a special relationship with De Zerbi, who he sees like “an older brother”, and found it difficult to inform the manager of his decision.

“That was probably the most difficult conversation, going in to see Roberto and tell him I’d decided to move on. The minute I said that my family was at the forefront of my decision, he totally understood.

“Our relationship goes beyond player and coach – he’s like an older brother to me.”

Lallana won 34 England caps and both the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool before moving to Amex Stadium.

He says he would like to continue playing but needs to “rest his mind” after the end of this season.