Brighton star gets shock call-up to Germany squad for the first time at 32 – 12 years since appearing for youth teams
PASCAL GROSS has been called up by Germany for the first time aged 32.
The Brighton star has been in stunning form for Roberto De Zerbi's side.
Gross featured for Germany's youth teams up to Under-20 level.
He earned four caps for Die Mannschaft's Under-20s between 2010 and 2011, playing against Switzerland, Poland and twice vs Italy.
The attacking midfielder has finally been called up to the senior squad for upcoming friendlies with Japan and France.
Hansi Flick's side will host next summer's Euro 2024 tournament.
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Gross left Hoffenheim in 2011, signing for Karlsruher in the German second tier.
Five seasons at Ingolstadt followed, with the final two coming in the Bundesliga.
He joined Brighton for just £3million upon their promotion to the Premier League in 2017.
The versatile star has proven himself to be a key man under Chris Hughton, Graham Potter and now De Zerbi.
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He has played 217 times for the Seagulls, scoring 28 goals and laying on 39 assists.
Of Gross' 28 goals for Brighton, 27 have come in the Premier League.
He scored his latest during Saturday's 3-1 defeat to West Ham.
In doing so, he became Brighton's all-time leading goalscorer in the Prem, overtaking the tally of 26 previously set by both Neal Maupay and Glenn Murray.
Earlier this year, De Zerbi gushed over Gross' qualities.
He said: "Pascal Gross is one of the best players I’ve had in my career. He’s a fantastic player. He can play everywhere on the pitch.
"He is fantastic in terms of attitude, passion. He’s very clever in understanding different situations. I’m lucky to have him in my team.
"He’s a leader, like (Lewis) Dunk, like Adam Lallana, (Danny) Welbeck. They are different types of leaders, but they are always positive guys.
"The secret of Brighton is not the coach or the style of play — the secret is that part of the squad."
