Video: Notts TV’s Hugh Casswell’s uncut interview with Nicklas Bendtner
Nicklas Bendtner says he should be judged only on the pitch and pledged to shed his reputation at Nottingham Forest.
The Danish international has signed for the Reds in a shock move after he was released by German club VfL Wolfsburg, where he failed to make an impact.
His arrival was confirmed on Wednesday morning, starting a new story in a career littered with great goals but periods of poor form and off-field controversy.
The 28-year-old striker, who has signed a two-year deal, was unveiled at a packed press conference at Forest’s training ground.
“This is a new start, what happened in Wolfsburg was a sad situation but it’s all in the past, I’m just looking forward now,” he said.
“I’m coming here to win and do my best and two years is perfect for me.”
“They’re a good bunch of lads, I know a few from before. It’s a team with good potential and who can do really well.”
Starting his career at Arsenal, he went out on loan to Sunderland and Birmingham before moving to Juventus and finally Wolfsburg.
Although his strength and finishing ability caused a storm when he first emerged for Arsenal as a teenager, he became known for inconsistency.
Video: Bendtner’s arrival came after days of rumour
His reputation also includes outlandish statements and attracting attention with odd images – including one of him wearing nothing but a woman’s bra over his privates. He eventually generated a cult online following who refer to him as ‘Lord Bendtner’.
“I’ve made many mistakes in my life which are in the past but I’m just looking to the future. The way I’ll be judged is in the games and I want to be back scoring goals,” he said.
“I heard great things about [Britt] Assombalonga, he’s out for a few days with a little knock and he’s a big, strong guy and very fast and we can be a good combination.”
He also said former Arsenal team-mates at Forest influenced his decision to join.
“I’ve known Henri [Lansbury] and Armand [Traore] since I was 16 and they’ll probably show me the ropes.
“The history is great here – it’s an amazing stadium, the ground is very good, I’ve been staying in my hotel room but I’ll find many things to do here.”
He also admitted he has work to do on the training ground having been without a club for five months.
“I’m probably not fit enough at the moment but I need to get settled and adjust – I’ll see where I’m at.
“It’s important to come back to England to find the right environment and I believe I’ve found that.”
