Havard Nordtveit didn’t fully enjoy his previous spells in England when he was at Arsenal and West Ham United.
In the winter transfer window, the 28-year-old was provided with another opportunity to showcase his abilities in the Premier League when Fulham signed him on loan from Hoffenheim.
He arrived at Craven Cottage on deadline day and will stay at the club until the end of the season.
Nordtveit sat down for an interview with Norwegian publication Dagbladet and explained why he was surprised when he heard about the Cottagers interest.
“It happened very quickly. What many do not know is that I was operated on for an infection in the calf in January,” he explained.
“I was hospitalised for four to five days and this was at the end of “Deadline Day”. The interest from Fulham was not something I and agent Jim Solbakken expected. It just happened like that.”
At the Bundesliga club, the Norway international struggled for minutes this season and Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann convinced him a move to Fulham was best for him.
“I had a good run-up after the Christmas holiday in Hoffenheim. I received good praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann,” the former Hammers man said.
“When Fulham got on the track, there was a communication with him. He thought it was a golden opportunity for me to return to England and show what I am good at.”
Fulham have struggled in the Premier League and are sitting 19th in the table with 17 points, trailing 17th place Burnley by 13 points with seven games left in the season.
Nordtveit said, “I knew Fulham was in a difficult situation (second to last). But theoretically it is still possible to save the level. I feel that there is a positive energy in the group.”
Thanks to @RonnyS0L for the heads up.
