Pascal Groß explains decision to leave Dortmund and re-join Brighton

Pascal Groß has opened up about his winter transfer from Borussia Dortmund back to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Just days into the new year, it was announced that Pascal Groß had left Borussia Dortmund to return to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Speaking to Kicker, the midfielder explained that he made the decision to seek more playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup and increase his chances of making the German squad.

“Since I wasn’t getting much playing time in Dortmund, I wanted to go back to a place where I could have more influence and play more regularly, so I could also put myself forward for the World Cup,” Groß told Kicker.

“I had been in contact with Fabian Hürzeler (Brighton & Hove Albion’s head coach, editor’s note) since my departure. We spoke, and towards the end of the year the clubs reached an agreement.

“It was important for me to start playing in January rather than wait until the end of the January and lose a month.”

Groß came on as a substitute in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Burnley at the weekend.

The 34-year-old made a total of 66 appearances for Dortmund, scoring one goal and providing 17 assists.