Brighton and Hove Albion star Pascal Groß has insisted it is up to every player to decide on wage cuts, but he is happy to take one in the current climate.
With the Premier League currently suspended indefinitely as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been calls for Premier League players to follow their European counterparts and take wage cuts.
Indeed, they have been widely criticised, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock criticising them publicly.
At the moment, there has not been a universal solution to the issue, although the players have set up a separate fund an initiative to donate money to the NHS.
Last week saw Wayne Rooney hit back at the critics on the issue, but Groß insists it is up to the players to decide on a personal level.
“I think it’s up to each player to decide for himself,” the Brighton midfielder told Kicker.
“My personal attitude is, and I’ve made that clear to our captain, that I’m willing to give up my salary. But I have also donated money. Above all, I know that we footballers are often privileged.
“So it is natural for me to contribute to the fact that the employees at the office or the stuff warden, simply all of them, can continue to be paid.
“I am someone who likes to have contact with all these people; they helped me in my early days as a foreigner in the club. I am grateful for that. Now I can give something back.
“I would not give up money because fans expect it, but because I want it myself. In general, everybody should try to help in any way possible.”
It was a decision the reigning European champions were roundly called out for, notably after they posted huge profits last year.
The public outcry has since seen them reverse the decision and, while refusing to criticise them directly, Groß says he believes the richest clubs should be paying out their own pockets.
“I do not want to talk about other clubs.”
“Generally speaking, not every club has owners from their own town, so it’s different for everyone.
“For me, however, it is precisely the renowned, rich clubs that have the responsibility to stand behind their staff with their funds one hundred per cent.”
While the focus is currently on how to contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, the Premier League has become something of an afterthought.
At the moment those in charge are determined to end the season at some point, although that may become unrealistic moving forward.
Brighton have a particular interest in what will happen given they were embroiled in a relegation battle before the season was suspended.
Should the season be voided, they would avoid the drop, but Groß insists they don’t want to stay up on a technicality.
“We are professionals to compete with others,” he added.
“I don’t want to avoid relegation by the season being voided.
“But now health is the main issue, and hopefully, football can soon give people back some normality.”
