Christian Norgaard is fitting in quickly at Arsenal after his summer move from Brentford. The 31-year-old has already made his first showing in the Gunners’ colours during a pre-season victory against AC Milan.
His early arrival before pre-season began has greatly helped him. Norgaard started his whole integration during the Asia Tour by joining the team at La Manga.
“I’ve been able to be with the team from day one of pre-season and it’s benefited me a lot,” the Danish international remarked in the pre-match press conference ahead of facing Newcastle United in Singapore.
“I’m much further down the line now in terms of the integration of play than I would have been if I joined now. So it’s been fantastic so far. It’s such a good group, such a good group of staff and the whole team around has made everything very easy.”
Having captained Brentford for two years, he offers leadership as well as knowledge. Though the midfielder sees the step up, he is keen to demonstrate his value.
He added: “I’m realistic, of course. I know this is a step up in terms of quality, size of club. But I’m also here to contribute, otherwise I wouldn’t have made the move. But I also know that there are some of the best players in the world in my position here, so it will be competitive.
“There’s the things you see in the weekend on the pitch, but there’s a lot of other things going on around the football team, and I hope I can really help this team both on and off the pitch.”
Before the north London side called, the Copenhagen-born player had just agreed on a new contract with The Bees. At this point in his career, however, the chance to join a title-challenging side was too great to decline.
“There’s a lot of competition, but for me, it was a chance to represent Arsenal at the age of 31. I was coming to a later stage in my career and I signed a new deal with Brentford. But when the interest came from Arsenal and after my first talks with Mikel, it was very clear to me that I would do everything to be able to play here.
“To get this adventure, to be part of a team that has such big ambitions, is for me an amazing step to take this stage in my career.”
The former Fiorentina player already shows signs of being a crucial asset for Arteta’s team both on and off the field with his experience, adaptability, and hunger.
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