Christian Norgaard on his new ambition with Arsenal
Christian Norgaard is set to experience another first in his Arsenal journey when he lines up at Emirates Stadium against Villarreal this evening.
The Danish midfielder, who joined from Brentford earlier this summer, has already featured in pre-season, but tonight marks his first opportunity to play in front of a home crowd as a Gunner.
“I’ve played at the Emirates before, but never as a home player,” Norgaard told the club website. “I can’t wait to feel that welcome from the fans.”
After several years in west London, the 31-year-old has settled quickly into life in Arsenal’s red and white.
“It’s been very easy to settle in,” he said. “The group has been great with me. I’ve played against many of the lads, and of course I spent years with David Raya at Brentford. We’ve stayed in London, so for my family, it hasn’t felt like a massive change.”
Norgaard admitted that the move to a Champions League club at this stage of his career wasn’t something he expected.
“I thought the ship had sailed,” he said. “I was already proud of what I’d achieved – more than 100 games in the Premier League – but to represent a club like Arsenal is something else.”
The midfielder joined Arsenal at the start of pre-season, allowing him to integrate quickly with his new teammates.
“Going on tour helped a lot,” he said. “I’ve built strong connections with Kai, Martin, Ben and Leo. Zinny has been teasing me on social media, and I even played golf with Declan in Singapore. He’s a better player than me – I play off 10 or 11.”
Norgaard featured in the 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore, calling it “a special moment” to wear the Arsenal shirt for the first time.
With Mikel Arteta demanding a specific tactical profile in midfield, Norgaard has had to absorb plenty of information.
“There’s a lot to take in, but I’m embracing it,” he said. “Mikel has played at the highest level – it’s great to learn from someone like him.”
Despite fierce competition in midfield, Norgaard is keen to contribute on and off the pitch.
“At Brentford, I was captain, and a lot of that role was about what I brought off the pitch,” he explained. “I’ll do what I can to lead here, even in a smaller role.”
And yes – he’s completed his initiation song.
“I went with Burn by Usher,” he laughed. “My heart was racing, but I survived. They clapped, so I’ll take that.”
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