garlei
27-04-2004, 08:47:PM
Forssell extends Birmingham loan
soccernet.com
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Mikael Forssell has agreed to stay on loan for a further year at Birmingham.
The Finnish striker has been City's star player this season since joining on loan from Chelsea at the end of August and has scored 17 goals in 30 Barclaycard Premiership to keep Steve Bruce's side in contention for a place in Europe.
That prospect has waned in recent weeks but the capture of the 23-year-old for another year is a major coup for the midlands club.
He told the club's official website: 'I am proud to be a Chelsea player but by being able to play on a regular basis for Birmingham City it has enabled me to improve my game and become a better player.'
Forssell believes for the time being it is in his best interests to remain at St Andrews.
'I feel that another year working with Steve Bruce can only aid my development even further,' he added.
'Steve Bruce's coaching and support has been fantastic for me and I believe that he is one of the best young managers in the game and there is still a lot more I can learn from him.
'I believe this deal is in the best interests of all three parties.
'For me personally I have progressed as a footballer and staying in the midlands for a further year can only be good for my consistency and stability.
'I have had the most fantastic time at Birmingham City and the fans have taken me to their hearts for which I am grateful and I hope that I can continue to repay their support.
'The players and backroom staff at Birmingham City have achieved a great deal this season and with the likely additions to the squad in the summer, I am confident the club is about to move on to a higher level.
'I would like to thank everyone at Chelsea and I will be watching them in the Champions League and cheering them on.'
Forssell signed for Chelsea from HJK Helsinki in July 1998 and has had a somewhat nomadic existence since.
He was on loan at Crystal Palace from February 2000 until May 2001, when he first struck up an understanding with current strike partner Clinton Morrison.
He spent the second half of the 2002-03 season with German side Borussia Monchengladbach, scoring seven goals in 12 Bundesliga starts but once again returned to Stamford Bridge.
He started Chelsea's first senior match of this season away to Zilina in a Champions League qualifier but was forced onto the sidelines as the club signed Hernan Crespo and Adrian Mutu.
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Smart move by Forsell.
soccernet.com
===========================================
Mikael Forssell has agreed to stay on loan for a further year at Birmingham.
The Finnish striker has been City's star player this season since joining on loan from Chelsea at the end of August and has scored 17 goals in 30 Barclaycard Premiership to keep Steve Bruce's side in contention for a place in Europe.
That prospect has waned in recent weeks but the capture of the 23-year-old for another year is a major coup for the midlands club.
He told the club's official website: 'I am proud to be a Chelsea player but by being able to play on a regular basis for Birmingham City it has enabled me to improve my game and become a better player.'
Forssell believes for the time being it is in his best interests to remain at St Andrews.
'I feel that another year working with Steve Bruce can only aid my development even further,' he added.
'Steve Bruce's coaching and support has been fantastic for me and I believe that he is one of the best young managers in the game and there is still a lot more I can learn from him.
'I believe this deal is in the best interests of all three parties.
'For me personally I have progressed as a footballer and staying in the midlands for a further year can only be good for my consistency and stability.
'I have had the most fantastic time at Birmingham City and the fans have taken me to their hearts for which I am grateful and I hope that I can continue to repay their support.
'The players and backroom staff at Birmingham City have achieved a great deal this season and with the likely additions to the squad in the summer, I am confident the club is about to move on to a higher level.
'I would like to thank everyone at Chelsea and I will be watching them in the Champions League and cheering them on.'
Forssell signed for Chelsea from HJK Helsinki in July 1998 and has had a somewhat nomadic existence since.
He was on loan at Crystal Palace from February 2000 until May 2001, when he first struck up an understanding with current strike partner Clinton Morrison.
He spent the second half of the 2002-03 season with German side Borussia Monchengladbach, scoring seven goals in 12 Bundesliga starts but once again returned to Stamford Bridge.
He started Chelsea's first senior match of this season away to Zilina in a Champions League qualifier but was forced onto the sidelines as the club signed Hernan Crespo and Adrian Mutu.
============================================
Smart move by Forsell.