Pascal Gross says he would have regretted not taking the chance to join Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder leaves Albion with “a heavy heart” after seven years with the club.

He has returned to his native Germany after seven years with the Seagulls.

Gross has helped the club, who were newly-promoted when he arrived, survive and thrive in the Premier League.

In an open farewell letter, he told fans: “I also knew I would regret not taking up the offer from Borussia Dortmund — a team my father took me to watch as a boy, and the team I supported growing up.

“To play for one of the top clubs in Germany is something I have always wanted to do, and to have this chance, at this stage of my career, will likely be my last.

“But it’s not without a heavy heart I leave Brighton and Hove: it’s been my home for the last seven years and I fell in love with the city from the moment I arrived.

“I’m sad to be leaving such an amazing place and a brilliant club, both of which will always be with me. I didn’t know what to expect when I made the move in 2017, but even the highest of my expectations have been surpassed.”

Gross thanked players, fans, Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and his head coaches, of whom he said Roberto De Zerbi was the most influential.

Albion had been keen for Gross to stay at the club as Fabian Huerzeler and his team settle in on arrival from Germany.

Gross said: “I would love to have played under Fabian Hürzeler — I’ve heard so many good things about him from friends and colleagues in Germany, and I’ve no doubt Tony has once again recruited a brilliant head coach for the club.

“I would like to wish Fabian and the team all the best for the season ahead.

“I will be watching on from afar as the club’s biggest fan!

“I’m sure he will continue the amazing progress we’ve made in recent seasons.”