Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has admitted that his move from Crystal Palace this summer was partly to give himself peace of mind moving forwards.
The centre-back has been speaking to Ekstra Bladet, relayed by Fotboll Skanalen, about his move this summer, dismissing those questioning it.
The centre-back was certainly one of the more surprising transfers this summer moving across London in a €29.5m deal.
He was targeted by Fulham as a replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo, who left Craven Cottage to join Chelsea on a free transfer earlier this summer.
The move certainly raised questions for many given Andersen had established himself as a star player at Crystal Palace in his three years there.
That was particularly the case in the second half of last season under Oliver Glasner, who made the defender a key component of the exciting, attacking team he developed.
Given Fulham ultimately finished two points and three places behind the Eagles, the transfer can be considered a sideways step at best for the 28-year-old. He, though, insists that it offers him much more than some might think.
“It provides a certain security and safety in relation to my career,” he said.
“I’m 28 years old, and getting a five-year contract is pretty nice and pretty important. When I finish the contract, I will be 33 years old. It’s not like you can relax, but it gives some peace in the stomach.
“Fulham is a club I know, and I had a fantastic year there. They have shown they are incredibly ambitious and have brought in some talented players during this window.
“I can’t really understand why there’s anything wrong with taking a step aside if you’re happy about it.
“I don’t know why it’s like it’s something negative to take a step aside. I love doing what I do, and everyone always wants to play for the very biggest clubs in the world. It is not always an option, and many coincidences come into play.”
