In a farewell letter to Brighton supporters, Pascal Gross has said he has left the Seagulls after seven years with a “heavy heart” – but “knew he would regret” not joining his boyhood club Borussia Dortmund.
Reflecting on his time with Brighton, the Germany midfielder said: “I got to represent the Albion in some of the best stadiums in the world, on that first journey into Europe and Marseille, Amsterdam, Athens and Rome; and to wear the blue and white stripes at Wembley in two FA Cup semi-finals.
“Whenever Lewis Dunk was unavailable, I was always honoured to wear the captain’s armband, and I’m privileged to hold the club record for most goals in the Premier League (sorry Glenn Murray!).
“There are so many people I would like to thank; the three coaches I played for, Tony Bloom, Paul Barber, all my team-mates across the seven years, the unsung heroes behind the scenes in the coaching, analysis, medical, catering, player liaison, security, media teams, and right across the club. They put so much into what makes this club so special.
“And to the fans, who have been amazing since the day I arrived, thank you. I’m sorry to be leaving you, but I hope I will get a chance to say goodbye and thank you in person at a match very soon.”
He concluded: “I don’t know what the future holds, after playing, but the club means so much to me and my family. I know I will be back at some point in the future, even if it’s just as a fan to support the club.”
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