Watford managed to beat competition from several European clubs to acquire the services of Philip Zinckernagel in the winter market.
The attacking midfielder arrived at Vicarage Road on a free transfer, after having won the title with Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt last season.
He was instrumental in his former club’s title success, scoring 19 goals and registering 24 assists in 28 matches.
The Dane was restricted to only substitute appearances in his first two months in England, before given opportunities to start in the Championship from March onwards.
Zinckernagel finished the campaign with a goal and five assists in 18 appearances for Watford, who achieved promotion to the Premier League.
Norway’s VG interviewed the 26-year-old and asked the player what convinced him to join Watford, when he had options to move elsewhere at the start of this year.
“Football is about having experiences in the backpack. Personally, I have always thought that it would be boring to only play in one league or stay in Denmark throughout my career. I have always wanted to travel and experience something different,” Zinckernagel said.
“What attracted me was that there were great chances for the Premier League. It was the club I felt had the greatest chance of advancing, and if you look at the budgets, I also think it is the biggest club in the Championship,”
“It could have been the last chance to get to England. With the promotion now, it couldn’t have been better.”
The former Bodø/Glimt star had to adjust the requirements of the style of football played in England.
“It has been a little more demanding in terms of the defensive work. You learn a lot from it. You really have to train and perform well to play,” he explained.
According to VG, Zinckernagel now remains hopeful the Premier League experience next season can help him earn a place in the Danish national team.
