New Arsenal signing: I thought this chance had passed me by | OneFootball

Christian Norgaard admits he believed the opportunity to play at the very top level had gone.

Now, just weeks into life as an Arsenal player, the 31‑year‑old finds himself preparing for Champions League nights and challenging for major trophies.

Photo via Arsenal.com

“Absolutely, I had a feeling that this ship had sailed in terms of playing in the Champions League,” Norgaard said.

“To be honest, I was already very proud and happy with what I’ve achieved in my career in terms of playing in more than 100 games in the Premier League and other things that I never really even dreamed of, but to be able to represent a club like this is amazing. I’m going to try my best to embrace it and also try my best to help with the qualities that the manager and the club have spoken for.”

Norgaard arrived from Brentford in July for £10 (+£2m) million, signing a two‑year contract with an option for a third. Arsenal, who lost experienced midfielders Jorginho and that other one this summer, view him as a proven Premier League performer who can add control and leadership.

Photo via Arsenal.com

He has already settled quickly. “So far, so good. It’s been very easy to settle in; the group has welcomed me in such a good way. All the players and the staff have been so good, so I’m really happy. I’ve played against all of the players before so I know them a little bit, and I’ve played a couple of years with David Raya at Brentford, of course. Also we’re staying in London, so being able to actually stay where we’ve lived now for five years is fantastic. So it doesn’t feel like a big change for the family.”

That family, he admits, were thrilled. “It’s a big thing, of course, both for my family – my wife and my kids – but also for my parents and my siblings and so on. We’re all enjoying this adventure and we’ll make the best out of it.”

Joining the squad from day one of pre‑season helped speed the process. “I think going on tour is the best way to really get to know them. I feel like I speak easily with a lot of the players, but we have a nice little group with Kai and Martin, and also Ben and Leo I get on well with.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

“Then there is Zinny as well – he caught me sleeping a couple of times on the bus that you may have seen on social media. Then with Declan we have a mutual hobby in golf. We actually had time to play a round in Singapore, so hopefully we get the chance to play again, if we can find the time. I play off about 10 or 11 but from what I saw from Dec I think he’s probably at a better level than me.”

Mikel Arteta has spoken highly of Norgaard’s leadership and tactical awareness, traits that made him an obvious target. Arsenal see him as a player ready to influence matches immediately, whether protecting leads late on or bringing resilience in midfield battles.

For Norgaard, it is about seizing a chance he feared would never come. “To be able to represent a club like this is amazing. I’m going to try my best to embrace it.”