“The fans are going to see a Norwegian Viking – one who gives 100% every time. Wherever I’ve been I’ve won and that’s what I’m coming to New York to do as well, I’m going to win trophies – I’ll do whatever it takes.”
As far as statements of intent go, Jo Inge Berget’s declaration upon signing with New York City FC is going to take some beating.
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The Norwegian international became City’s seventh offseason addition on Friday morning and, if this quote is anything to judge by, he’s going to be a firm fans’ favorite.
Signed as a free agent after his contract with Swedish champions Malmo FF came to an end, Berget provides attacking options for Patrick Vieira going into NYCFC: Year Four.
For Berget, it was an easy decision in the end.
Berget told NYCFC.com: “Of course I was glad when I heard of the interest. When my contract expired with Malmo there was a lot of interest, so of course it’s fun when people notice you. When New York come, it’s a big deal – it’s a nice city and it’s a good club. For me and my family, it was an easy decision in the end.
“I feel delighted, I’m really looking forward to getting to New York and getting to play in MLS for one of the best teams and hopefully we’re going to win a trophy this year.
“New York has been up there at the top but they’ve never won, so hopefully we can make a change to that. I know about the coach and some of the players there and they like to play offensive football. I think it’s going to suit me really well.”
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Berget will be reunited with Anton Tinnerholm at NYCFC, his former teammate at Malmo, where the pair won the Swedish title twice.
The Scandinavian duo have a good relationship on and off the field – a fact that will help Jo Inge acclimatize to his new surrounds.
“It’s important – we’re good friends because we played together for three years in Malmo,” Jo Inge said.
“I know him really well, our partners are good friends too, so that’s going to be good for them to have someone to hang around with and to have someone to talk to in their own language, so that’s going to make things easier.
“It’s a total package for me – when you look at the city, you can’t compare it to anywhere else in the world. Everyone wants to live in New York and now I have the opportunity to do that and to play football, so for me it was a no brainer when New York came in.”
As much as Berget is looking forward to calling New York home, his focus is on bringing silverware to the five boroughs.
He added: “I want to win gold, that’s the only thing that matters to me and of course I want to contribute to that as much as I can.
“If that means I have to make a clearance or a tackle, I’ll do it. If it means I have to score goals, I’ll do that. Whatever it takes to win.”
ICYMI: Jo Inge Berget Signs for NYCFC
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