Hagen handed Zenit chance

Norwegian international defender Erik Hagen has joined Russian Premier League side FC Zenit St. Petersburg in a deal worth €1m.

Impressive displays
The 29-year-old Vålerenga IF defender caught the eye of many of Europe's top clubs after turning in impressive displays in the centre of Norway's defence in the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Scotland and Slovenia earlier this season.

'Exciting offer'
Hagen said: "There was some interest from English sides as well, but I don't always like to do what people expect from me. The offer from Zenit was exciting, and I had no hesitation in saying yes." Zenit bowed out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday night after TSV Alemannia Aachen's win at AEK Athens FC moved the German side above their Russian rivals and into the third and final qualifying berth from Group H.