Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Groß has hit back at claims he is only staying at the club because they offered him more money.
The German midfielder signed a new deal with the Seagulls in March, extending his contract until 2024.
He had been set to become a free agent this summer and was linked with a return to his homeland, where he had enjoyed spells with the likes of Hoffenheim and Ingolstadt.
Indeed, there was speculation the Brighton man was set to join Werder Bremen, particularly after his agent was seen meeting with the club for talks.
It had looked like he would join in the January transfer window, but that was eventually dismissed, with his new Brighton contract then seemingly ruling out a move this summer as well.
To the outside world, it appeared he had used that apparent interest from Bremen to his advantage, but the midfielder has insisted that is not the case.
“I was annoyed to read that I had agreed to play for Bremen, after which Brighton increased their offer, and I then decided to play for Brighton,” he told Kicker, relayed by Fussball Transfers.
“That’s complete nonsense. I personally never spoke to Bremen, never accepted, never received a contract offer.
“(Those reports were) because my adviser was in Bremen because of the contract extension of another client.”
“The Premier League is more attractive to me at the moment because it’s more balanced and stronger across the board,” Fussballeck add him saying.
