Tomer Hemed has revealed that he rejected attractive offers during the summer to remain in England and pursue his dream of playing in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old Israeli international said that he was bitterly disappointed not to be playing in the top division this season after Brighton missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference and then lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs.

Hemed said: "I had offers to return to the top flight in Spain but I said to myself one more season in the Championship will open the doors to the Premier League."

Brighton also turned down a £2 million offer from Maccabi Tel Aviv for Hemed in the summer as a replacement for Eran Zahavi.

"It was very flattering for me that somebody like Jordi Cruyff wanted me but Brighton didn't want to release me and I decided that I still want to try and play in the Premier League. In my career I've never thought about money, it's always been about professional progress."

The former Maccabi Haifa striker joined Brighton last season after five years in Spain with Real Mallorca and Almeria. Hemed, who scored 16 goals last season, has formed a strong partnership with fellow Israeli international Beram Kayal.

The Seagulls are eighth in the Championship this season, one point below the promotion spots, and Hemed has scored one goal so far.