Grønkjær aiming high at Atlético

Denmark winger Jesper Grønkjær has joined Club Atlético de Madrid after a disappointing spell in England with Birmingham City FC.

Derby debut
The 27-year-old arrived in the Spanish capital yesterday and has now completed the switch after passing a medical. Grønkjær had long been linked with a move to Atlético, who finished their 2004 programme last night with a 1-0 home defeat by Real Betis Balompié. His debut is likely to come in the derby against Real Madrid CF on 9 January.

European ambition
“I am very happy to come to Spain to play for Atlético,” said Grønkjær, who added that he hoped to help his new club qualify for European competition next season. Grønkjær joined Birmingham from Chelsea FC for €3.2m last July after three-and-a-half seasons with the London club. He has a contract in Madrid until summer 2007.