PASCAL GROSS has revealed he turned down the chance to stay in Germany so he could try his luck with Albion in the Premier League.

The midfielder signed off for relegated Ingolstadt by scoring their equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Saturday at home to Schalke.

He is now looking forward to completing his move to the Seagulls when the transfer window opens and getting stuck into some English footballing traditions.

Gross has agreed a four-year deal with Albion for a fee believed in Germany to be in the region of 3.5 million euros, or about £3 million.

He was given a terrific send-off by fans and colleagues as the Bundesliga campaign came to an end.

Gross said: “I had the chance to go to a German club but I decided I wanted to try something new.

“I thought about the change during the second half of the season.

“I like English football. There are many highlights.

“The arenas are very tight to the pitch, there are more games, no winter holidays, the Boxing Day games.

“It’s not going to be easy not being able to go home for Christmas but I’ve thought about that and it’s okay.”

Gross, who turns 26 just before pre-season starts, does not envisage any problems with the language.

He said: “I took an advanced English course at college so I can cope with it.”

Ingolstadt fans saw him step up to coolly convert a first-half penalty for his fifth goal of the season but he was unable to leave with a win.

He said: “It was a little bit strange when I entered the Audi Sportpark for the last time but it was a nice farewell.

“The fans gave me a good feeling, they appreciated my work for the club and I’m glad to be able to leave on that note.”