Christian Norgaard says he jumped at the chance to join Arsenal, having almost given up on his dream of playing in the Champions League.
The 31-year-old Dane has been recruited from Brentford in double quick time to provide backup for fellow new signing Martin Zubimendi, following the departures of holding midfield pair Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Norgaard makes the short trip across London after six seasons with Brentford. Prior to that, he had spells with Fiorentina and Hamburg, and, like compatriot John Jensen, who joined Arsenal in 1992, first made a name for himself at Danish side Brondby.
It’s been an understated career to date. Now he’ll be very much in the spotlight.
“You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,” Norgaard told [Arsenal.com](https://www.arsenal.com/news/norgaard-making-dream-come-true) about the prospect of playing in the Champions League.
“I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, there’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.
“Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about.”
On what excites him most about joining Arsenal, Norgaard added: “I think the different mindset. I’ve come from a club where we’ve done really, really well over the last six years that I’ve been there, but, of course, the mindset coming into the Premier League is always, how can we stay here for another season?
“Coming to Arsenal, I know the mindset is different and it’s about winning titles here. I think that change in mindset is something I’m looking forward to try and end experience.”
Norgaard becomes the second player in successive summers to complete a permanent move from Brentford, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper David Raya. Both the Spaniard and the Gunners’ captain, Martin Odegaard, both reached out to the Dane ahead of his transfer.
“They both spoke so highly of \[the club\],” revealed Norgaard.
“They keep describing this as a welcome to the family feeling. I think it’s really nice when a player like Martin speaks highly of not only the players, not only the coaches, but also the whole staff around the club and the guys in the media department.
“There are just so many people working in this organisation and he spoke very highly of all of them, so I’m looking forward to meeting each and every one.”