Lars-Jorgen Salvesen lifts lid on weeks of Derby County transfer talks and his 'good left foot'
Derby County have secured their first signing of the January transfer window with Lars-Jorgen Salvesen joining from Viking FK.
The centre-forward has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and gives Paul Warne another option up front. The 28-year-old moved for an undisclosed fee and will come in to challenge Jerry Yates as the main striker.
Salvesen scored 12 goals for Viking last season as they finished third in the Eliteserien and he also registered four assists. He gave his first interview to Rams TV. Here’s a transcript.
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What’s your reaction to joining Derby County?
I'm very, very happy. It's a dream come true. Every kid in Norway dreams about coming to England and playing and also it’s a massive club, a big historical club.
Moving to England
You're always dreaming, you're always aiming high and training and playing to achieve your dreams.
So of course I was hoping, but you never know in football and of course I've played a lot of years, so you're not sure what the future will bring, but I'm just happy it did and just happy they wanted me and I can't wait to get started.
When did you first hear that this move might happen?
It's been some weeks and it's been some chats back and forth with the clubs, but I've just been patient and also always expressed what I wanted and luckily the clubs agreed and then then I'm here.
Paul Warne talks
He's been great. He's a great character. I really love him because he's a human person. He loves humans and I had a great chat with him and I get a really, really good impression. So I can't can't wait to work with him. [We had] one hour on FaceTime, so it was good.
Role in side
It fits in very well with the style Derby wants to play. It's a lot of crosses and put the ball into the box and that's my position. I should be in the box in front of the goal and hopefully get the ball into the net.
What can supporters expect?
I'm a team player. I always work hard for the team. I will always put the team first. I put 100% in everything I do. I have a good left foot, a good shot and I'm decent with the head also, so hopefully they will just cross it into me and I will try to do the rest.
Pride Park
I'm so excited. I drove past it the first day, just saw it from outside. I can't wait to see it from the inside.
It's a big day for me and my family and my girlfriend as well, so like I said in the beginning this is a dream come true and I can't wait to to get started.
