Nielsen makes surprise return home

FC København have signed former Danish international captain Peter Nielsen from VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach on a free transfer.

København captain
Nielsen, who was captain of København between 1997 and 1999, still had a year left to run on his contract with Mönchengladbach, but a clause provided him with an opportunity to return to Denmark for free.
 
Retirement put on hold
The announcement comes as a big surprise in his homeland as Nielsen had announced his intention to retire after failing to gain a spot in Morten Olsen's FIFA World Cup squad; he suffered a fractured leg in a 1. Bundesliga match against BV Borussia Dortmund on 9 March to end all hopes of making it to the finals.

'Huge personality'
København sports director Niels Christian Holmstrøm was delighted with the acquisition of the 34-year-old. "Peter can bring loads of experience and may help widen our squad in time for the important challenges in the UEFA Cup," he said. "Moreover, he is a clever player and a huge personality."

'Favourable offer'
Nielsen, capped ten times by his country, said: "I had received a very favourable offer from Mönchengladbach, but I want to return to Denmark and therefore I am very happy to have received this offer from København. I hope my experience can take the club even further."