The 35-year-old told Sky that his decision was taken after the World Cup, and that he had simply not announced it because he is not on social media: “Officially – since I don't have social media – I haven't announced my retirement, but I have already retired.
"For me, it was over after the World Cup. I think it's time to wish the new generation nothing but the best and to keep my fingers crossed for them.”
Gross made 19 appearances for Germany and scored once, in a friendly against Greece in June 2024. He was part of the squad at this summer's World Cup, but played only 17 minutes, in the group-stage defeat to Ecuador.
He was not included in the first squad chosen by new head coach Jürgen Klopp for the Nations League games. Klopp named an unusual two squads totalling 44 players.
Gross's timing was fitting. He gave Brighton the lead against Arsenal in the 31st minute, crashing a shot in off the inside of the post, before Charalampos Kostoulas doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time and Chema Andrés headed in the third from Gross's corner in the 57th.
It was the first time Gross has scored in three consecutive games for Brighton in all competitions, according to beIN Sports, and the win took Brighton up to third, two points behind Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “I feel really good. I can't complain. I just try to help the team when I can. I really enjoy life in Brighton – I'm loving it.”
His head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, was equally complimentary: “We spoke about Pascal Groß and I said, I think in my last press conference, that you can compare him a little bit with a good wine. The older he gets, the better he is.”
Gross returned to Brighton from Borussia Dortmund last season, and his contract runs to the summer of 2027. He now has four goals and four assists in eight appearances in all competitions this season.
Brighton travel to Sunderland on 10 October after the international break.