Prolific Petersen inks three-year deal with FCB
Nils Petersen looked dapper in a grey suit and blue shirt, but the smart outfit was more than appropriate. “I’ll never forget May the 19th,” said the Energie Cottbus striker. On this day, the German second division’s leading scorer signed a three-year contract with FCB, keeping him in Munich until 30 June 2014. “I’m proud to call Bayern my new employer,” he declared, “I’m really looking forward to it, and I have big plans.”
Petersen is FCB’s first close-season signing. The 22-year-old was linked with a host of big-name clubs, “so we’re delighted he chose us,” commented Christian Nerlinger. “He’s been outstanding this season, and proved he can score goals,” continued the FCB director of sport, “we fully believe he’ll continue to show that quality here in Munich. He’ll definitely fit in well here next season.”
The striker was the sensation of the last Bundesliga 2 season with 25 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances. He netted 12 goals with his right foot, ten with his left, and three with his head. “I’m definitely a penalty box striker and I have a very good instinct for where the passes might land,” the player said.
Famous squad number
The two-footed, 1.89 metre man has been assigned the squad number 9 at FCB, as previously worn by greats such as Gerd Muller, Giovane Elber and Luca Toni. “I was surprised by that, but I’m very proud,” observed Petersen, “nine is the biggest number for a striker. These are big footsteps, but they’re there to be followed in.”
In the wake of his stellar campaign, Petersen’s confidence is soaring, although learning of Bayern’s interest a few weeks ago was “an unbelievable feeling,” he acknowledged. He had not required a long pause for reflection. “If an offer comes in from Bayern, you take it – that’s a truism if ever there was one. The minute I heard about it, I was determined to pursue this route.”
Unafraid of the competition
The 22-year-old insists he is unfazed by having Mario Gomez, Miroslav Klose and Ivica Olic ahead of him in the battle for a place in the team. “Jupp Heynckes played a big role in my decision,” he revealed, as the incoming FCB boss is a long-term fan of the new arrival. “He’s shown he’s very good at dealing with young players, so the decision was an easy one.”
Petersen passed a medical at Bayern on Wednesday, and appended his signature to his new contract on Thursday. He then toured the Sabener Strasse facility. “You arrive at Germany’s biggest club, and it’s a totally different world,” exclaimed the player, who turned pro with Carl Zeiss Jena and joined Cottbus in January 2009.
Reaching the pinnacle
He will now take summer leave, before reporting for training on 1 July. “Actually, I’d prefer to start straight away,” he reflected, “I’ll hit the ground running from the start, and work my arse off every day to show I’m a good alternative.”
The player has already located accommodation some way out of the city. “I hope I can move in soon, so I can be perfectly prepared for the first day of pre-season,” said the 22-year-old, describing himself as “absolutely a family man” and “a guy who settles in quickly and makes connections.” For now, 19 May represents the highlight of his career to date: “Signing for Bayern is the greatest confirmation you can have of your quality as a player. It's the crowning glory.”
http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2011/29563.php?fcb_sid=1e86326a2fd970696ca865acc04774a8
