- New midfielder Havard Nordtveit has hit the ground running since joining the Hammers
- The 26-year-old is eagerly anticipating his Premier League debut
- The Norwegian international grew up watching West Ham matches on TV
On the eve of what could well be his Premier League debut, new signing Havard Nordtveit is relishing what is arguably the biggest game of his career.
Having begun his professional career at Arsenal aged 17, the Norwegian international spent six-and-a-half years in Germany, first on loan at FC Nuremberg, before joining Borussia Monchengladbach prior to his return to England.
Now 26, the midfielder, who can also be deployed as a central defender, cannot wait for his Premier League bow: “It’s a very tough league, each game is a fight. We just have to take each game individually, we are only focusing on Chelsea, and then the next game after that.
“After Chelsea we will know where we are, it’s a long season. Of course we want to do as well as we can, we have a new stadium and a new training ground, so everything is going well ahead of the new season.
“If I don’t make my debut on Monday, I hope it comes very soon – it’s a big boy dream I’ve had seen I was little. Generally in Scandinavia the Premier League is the most popular league, and I’ve seen many games from Upton Park, I’m very happy to be part of this fantastic club.
Having joined the Hammers back in July, Nordtveit has enjoyed the benefit of a full-preseason with his new teammates, first out in America, before travelling to Austria and Slovenia where he made his competitive debut in the first leg against NK Domzale.
Nordtveit continued: “Pre-season was good, we spent a lot of time together. The two games we’ve had in the Europa League have been important.
“We are there fitness wise and now I am really looking forward to the new season.”
While Nordtveit, a hugely positive and engaging character, has already settled into life in east London seamlessly, the Norwegian explained his reasons for choosing the Hammers in the first place.
He said: “First of all the club is traditional, and now with the new stadium it is a good combination. I was always watching West Ham in Norway growing up.
“For me, it’s like a family club, everyone is in one big group.
“Second, the new stadium is really fantastic. The atmosphere (in the first two home games) was amazing. I didn’t think it would be so loud, but walking out in the tunnel, it was so loud, I couldn’t believe it.
“The fans were amazing and hopefully it’s like that at every home game. Every player here is really keen that the fans enjoy the new stadium and make it as loud as possible.”
Another key factor for the midfielder was clearly the opportunity of working with manager Slaven Bilic: “He was one of the biggest reasons why I joined, after we met in London there was no going back. He said a lot of good things, I couldn’t wait to join!”
Just three months into his five year contract, Nordtveit has clearly hit the ground running. Looking ahead to what promises to be a bright future, he beamed: “I hope the next five years can develop me as a player and help the club to take it a step further.
“There are a lot of games in a season, so over five years, I hope to impress the manager, impress the fans and show I can play at this level.”