De Ridder swells the ranks at København

Danish league runners-up FC København have made their second signing of the summer, as they prepare to start their UEFA Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round.

Only a few says after signing Denmark goalkeeper Stephan Andersen, FCK have brought in FC Utrecht's Belgian attacking midfielder Steve De Ridder on a four-year contract. "I have heard good things about the city, the club and what the team has achieved in the past," the 27-year-old said. "I want to help the club to win back the title. I hope it will not be long before I am an important member of the team."

"Steve De Ridder is a player we have been watching for some time," added FCK coach Ståle Solbakken of the former De Graafschap and Southampton FC man. "He has had a fantastic season at Utrecht, and has a bit of the mentality we want in this club – the right kind of confidence and winning attitude. Steve is a type of player that we do not have at the club at present, and we hope and expect him to impress on and off the pitch from day one at København."