Johnsen with a long perspective
By Håvard Lindheim, 20 December 2006, 09:16
Espen Johnsen ended his Rosenborg career with another 90 minutes on the bench against Odense. Now, the former keeper of the national team is looking forward to new challenges in Strømsgodset.
Photo: Fotballmagasinet
The 27-year old was bought from Start in December 2000, and spent the two first seasons warming the bench. But when Arni Gautur Arason reclined to renew his contract, Johnsen was made first choice.
"I have gotten to play many international games, and done well in the Champions League. I feel that I have grown and improved. Now, I will improve further in Strømsgodset," Johnsen tells local Drammen newspaper Drammens Tidende.
The southlander replaces ex-Rosenborg keeper Thomas André Ødegaard. Naturally, he's keen on revenge after having been degraded to a third choice after Lars Hirschfeld and Alexander Lund Hansen.
"I though this season was to be my season. During the winter I was in great shape. Then I did a terrible mistake (against Zenit St. Petersburg) and was replaced. Now, I'll really do my best in Strømsgodset and stabilise on a high level," Johnsen states.
Due to some uncertainty around the transfer of his medical studies to a new university, Rosenborg and Strømsgodset originally agreed upon a loan deal for the 2007 season. Now, the study situation is arranged, and Johnsen - with a wife from Drammen already - wants to make this a permanent transfer.
"We've bought a house at Konnerud in Drammen. That shows that I wish to stay in Strømsgodset more than this one year," Espen Johnsen ends.
His final record in RBK ended on 76 played league games in six years.
