Pascal Gross says he had a culture shock in reverse after returning to Germany.

And part of it involves getting used to Bundesliga referees.

The Albion fans’ favourite – hailed the club’s best-ever Premier League signing by Tony Bloom – was back at the Amex on Sunday.

It turned into one of those very special occasions. Like when Alexis Mac Allister showed off his World Cup medal and Albion then beat Liverpool 3-0.

Or when Leo Ulloa returned and West Ham were thumped 4-0.

Gross said his goodbye to adoring Albion fans and predicted a home win over Spurs – which came true in the end.

After seven years in Brighton, going back to his homeland has involved some sort of adjustment.

A new house has been found, a nursery place is still being sought.

Gross’s son is still wearing an Albion shirt at home, something Dad says he will always encourage.

Support your local team – and Gross started a family while he was here.

And then there is the football. Playing for Dortmund before 81,000 and the Yellow Wall was ultimately a big factor in Gross’s tough decision to move on.

But there have been differences to get used to.

Gross said: “There is a difference. I think every league is a little bit different.

“I think in the Premier League, the referee lets the game go a bit more. It goes end to end.

“But I think it is normal every league has its own different style.

“You go to Spain or Italy and it is different again.

“There is no right or wrong. As you can see in the European competition.

“But the Premier League is really strong.”

Fabian Huerzeler and Albion as a whole did not want to lose Gross.

Asked how hard his fellow German tried to keep him, Gross said: “Very hard. I also spoke with David (Weir, technical director), Paul (Barber, chief executive and deputy chairman) and Tony (Bloom, chairman) and it was very difficult for me.

“But it is about timing in life “At my age, then Borussia Dortmund, the club I supported when I was young, the home games are really special to me.

“But it was not easy leaving a club because I am a guy who appreciates what he has.

“It was so good here, but it is difficult to make decisions.”

For all the great memories from seven seasons, it is one from his first year which remains Gross’s Albion highlight.

That was the header which crept a couple of centimetres over the line to secure a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the final home game of 2017-18.

Three points that night was enough to make absolutely sure of survival, although it had never really been in serious doubt.

The roar at the final whistle that night was among the loudest the Amex has ever produced.

Gross said: “There was a special Friday night.

“The game we won at home, staying up for the first time.

“We went out after with the team. Good atmosphere, good memory.

“But after that there are so many.

“Playing in Europe with this club, when I came you couldn’t have dreamed about it. It was nearly impossible because the league is so strong.

“To stay in the Premier League after you get promoted is very difficult.

“You can see in the last couple of years and that goal was the first time we stayed in the league and could develop from there.

“Then after we had memories on bigger stages with the Europa League and everything.

“But that was for me a great memory.”

Gross was immaculate in suit and tie as he waited in the tunnel before going out to speak to the fans.

The ovation he got was perhaps the best we have ever witnessed for a returning player.

It featured on TV coverage and was picked up on as being something a bit out of the ordinary.

So could he come back one day – as have players such as Gordon Greer, Sam Baldock, Tomer Hemed, Gary Dicker and Inigo Calderon?

Gross has not ruled it out – and refers to a saying from the homeland to which he is settling back in.

He said: “Yes, I see a chance for that in many ways.

“I lived here for seven years.

“I feel really comfortable, my family feel really comfortable here.

“There is always a chance.

“In Germany sometimes you say you see each other at least twice in life so who knows?”