Monday 23 June 2014 12:10, UK
Andreas Cornelius is ready to get his career back on track with FC Copenhagen after failing to earn a regular starting berth at Cardiff City.
The Denmark international left Copenhagen after signing a five-year deal with Premier League side Cardiff, but a lack of game time led the striker to make an immediate return to the club where his career started.
During his time in the Welsh capital, Cornelius made only seven appearances for the Bluebirds, scoring just once in an injury-plagued season.
Upon his return to Copenhagen, Cornelius netted a hat-trick in a friendly against Slovan Liberec and admits he feels at home in his native Denmark.
“I am back where I should be now,” Cornelius told Tipsbladet. “I ended well in the last couple of matches of last season.
“It is natural that I would need some time because my shape and other things were not as they should be, because I did not play much at Cardiff.
I am back where I should be now. It is natural that I would need some time because my shape and other things were not as they should be.
“I believe that I am now back where I should be physically and I have integrated into the squad.”
Danish giants Copenhagan made a disappointing start to the previous campaign and finished second after lifting the crown in 2013, but Cornelius is focused on securing an 11th Superligaen trophy for the club.
“The most important thing is still that we win the championship,” he added. “I want to offer all I can and the goals are not the big thing in the full context.
“I feel it would be good to bring in another striker, but if that it does not happen, it is also fine. We’ve got a big squad with many options and we will surely be able to field a strong attack.”
Stale Solbakken further bolstered his attacking options with the signing of FC Utrecht forward Steve de Ridder, who was delighted by the club’s interest.
“I am very happy to be here and it means a lot to me that the club have showed interest,” the Belgian added.
“It is an honour to play for Copenhagan and be in the city. They have done well in Europe and the Champions League in recent years.”
With the new Superligaen campaign set to commence in July, Solbakken also brought 19-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Amartey in on a five-year deal from Djurgaarden.
