Lasogga went on loan to Leeds during the 2017-18 campaign.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga has told German newspaper SportBild that he chose not to pursue a permanent deal with Leeds United because he wanted to help Hamburger SV gain promotion back into the Bundesliga.
Lasogga, 26, made 33 appearances for Leeds after joining the Yorkshire club on a season-long loan from Hamburg in the summer of 2017. He was identified as the man to replace Chris Wood, who netted 30 the season before.
The 11-time Germany Under-21 international got off to a blistering start, scoring two in a 5-0 win over Burton Albion, but it went downhill from there. Scoring just 10 goals in total, he returned to Hamburg.
While at Leeds, Hamburg were relegated into the second tier of German football and Lasogga claimed he returned to help his beloved side gain promotion at the first attempt – rather than Leeds deciding not to sign him.
“England was the right move. I was finally allowed to play regularly again, scoring goals. It was also a great experience as a person to play abroad. I am very grateful to Leeds and it remains an absolutely positive time in my head,” Lasogga said.
“But it was clear to me early on that I want to go back to HSV. I did not just sign for five years. I see it as a duty to help this club. When I saw the relegation from the sofa, I was speechless. Everyone was sad, I could not believe it.”
Since returning to Hamburg, Lasogga has rediscovered his shooting boots. Failing to score for Leeds after February, Lasogga has now found the back of the net 10 times in 13 appearances this season for Hamburg.
Alongside former Tottenham and Fulham ace Lewis Holtby, as well as ex-Rangers defender David Bates, Lasogga has fired Hamburg to the top of the Bundesliga 2 table.
It remains to be seen where his long-term future remains, as his £50,000-a-week contract (Yorkshire Evening Post) is due to expire at the end of the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
