Gross: I always wanted to stay with Albion

Pascal Gross has revealed he had no other thought, other than to stay with Albion, after his stunning end to the season.

He signed a new two-year deal until the end of 2023/24 season, and now is looking forward to improving on the club's record season in 2021/22.

He said, "There was never another thought in my mind. I just wanted to finish the season as strongly as possible and then to get it done as quickly as possible. 

"That is me. I am in a good place. I am really happy here, and I didn't need to look for anything else.

"It has already been five years. It means a lot to me to stay with the club for that length of time, and I always wanted to stay with Brighton, as they are the only team I want to play for in this country.

"I was clear in my mind, and I am absolutely delighted that I will be here for another two years at the club. I am really happy."

Gross was Albion's first signing after promotion in 2017, and he has proved a tremendous servant to the club in the Premier League era; with his trademark Cruyff turn a favourite with the Albion fans.

He ended the season in what he believes was the best form of his career, helping Albion to a record ninth place, and an impressive run of just one defeat, against champions Manchester City, from the last nine games. 

With Pascal in fine form, that run included stellar victories over Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United, and he capped a remarkable campaign with a dazzling display and the winner against West Ham at the Amex on the final day.

"My opinion is that was the best form from the club and for me," he added. 

"The performances against Manchester United and West Ham were the strongest we have ever played against big teams, and that makes me extremely proud and extremely hopeful that we are on the right track.

"Then I came here, I wanted to improve as a person, as a player, but also with the club. I wanted to be part of a successful group, and last year was incredible. It was our best year, and you can see we are moving forward.

"It is tough in this league, but you can see we are moving forward, with the management team we have, and the group of players and staff, there is more to come. 

"We want to be strong again next season, and we want to get better, I want to get better. 

"I am not staying because I am in a comfort zone, that is not my character. I want to work hard and to be a better player next season than I was last season.

"I know everyone in Premier League wants to improve and wants to get better, but if we can come to pre-season and keep working on the way we finished and work to get better, then that gives me a lot of hope for the future."

Meanwhile Gross has challenged Albion fans to come up with their own chant for him, after 'Pascal Gross, we want you to stay' rang around the Amex on the final day of the season.

"From day one, I always felt I had a great connection with the fans, but that last game when they were singing it, that was my best memory in a Brighton shirt. 

"We were really strong, won the last game, we finished ninth, I scored and the whole stadium was singing my name. That was a special moment. I've not got my own song yet, but that would be nice for next season!"