– Could have chosen places with more money – VG

– I don’t think I’m ready for the Swansea game, but I hope to be ready for the United FA Cup game, says the Dane on FaceTime from the hotel near the Watford training facility.

Lying in the hotel bed, in a position that would force most of us to double chin, the Dane prepares for a quiet New Year’s Eve in North West London.

The new year offers new challenges for the man who swept the Elite Series this season. The biggest challenges can come very quickly, because already on January 9, Zinckernagel’s new club will go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

– The plan is, of course, that I will play as soon as possible, says Zinckernagel on whether he is destined for a place in the starting lineup.

VG wrote Tuesday that Zinckernagel was ready to complete negotiations and conduct the medical test. Now confirm that everything is in the box.

The points king in the 2020 Elite Series also ensures that the club sees him not only as a right winger, but also as a left winger and “quiet” in the room behind the striker.

– It is a club with a lot of potential. The overall package with his ambitions, finances and my opportunities to play was the best here, says the 26-year-old.

He has signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2026.

– I could choose places where there was more money. I think more sportily about finances, but at the same time it is a very good package that I have received for 5.5 years here in Watford.

The winger says he had offers from, among others, Turkey, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and much from Eastern Europe.

– There were clubs like Schalke in the Bundesliga. Celtic were also a bit involved. I had to make a decision before Brexit and I had the best feeling at Watford, he says.

Jens Petter Hauge went to Milan:

As of January 1, it will be much more difficult for foreign players to obtain a work permit in England.

Then new requirements arise, such as that he must have played a certain number of A-national matches or matches in the Champions League or Europa League.

– If I don’t take the opportunity now, I may never have it again. It could be now or never. Of course, he also had something to say, says Zinckernagel.

– I think the chance to play in the Premier League will be greater here at Watford. It will be a dream come true to get there.

He says he was surprised by his first meeting with the club.

– The facilities are insane. The canteen is like a five star restaurant. It is a completely different world. In practice, there are more coaches than players at Glimt, he says.

Zinckernagel cannot train with the team before January 1, but has greeted the players and the coach.

In Watford there is, among others, William Troost-Ekong, who has a past in Haugesund.

– I’ve talked to him a bit! Very good boy. He has also followed a part of what we have done in Bodø / Glimt.

Here, Zinckernagel scores against Haugesund:

The Dane says it was a difficult decision to leave the Norwegian league champions, and that he has shed some tears along the way.

– I am very fond of the club and the people. It’s a bit sad. The club has meant a great deal to me. A fantastic coach, great teammates and I am very proud of my time at Bodø / Glimt. It will be exciting to see what they handle in the Champions League.

– What was it like giving the message to Kjetil Knutsen?

– Of course, it was a bit mixed. I had a good conversation with Kjetil and I think we ended up in a good way.

– What moment do you remember best?

– The trip to Milan, the game against Strømsgodset where we played badly, but we got the medals. It was also fun when we beat Rosenborg so excellently.

– I think almost the entire trip itself has been a great highlight, he adds.

– What was the most difficult part of this process?

– The balance between being patient and finally making a decision is difficult, but the agreement I have received at Watford is so interesting that I couldn’t rule it out.

– Are you going to recommend other Glimt players?

– If you ask me, I will recommend almost the entire team, laughs.

– How much did you have to say that the owners of Watford also own Udinese? Can you provide opportunities later?

– In the first instance it’s just Watford and the opportunities here. It is interesting that the owners also have Udinese. The very talented who run the club, it’s exciting.

– How do you see that Watford has just changed coach? Did something change?

– His interest was there for a while, but it became much more interesting for me with the new Spanish coach. He is more aggressive and offensive in his style of play.

Watford stands out with just 24 goals in 21 games this season.

– We will dominate and win games. I have to try to help a little there.

– It’s not the worst place to live either, is it?

– Living in London or living a little outside of London is class, he says, and he is supported by his Norwegian girlfriend.

– How will Kasper Junker manage without you as a partner?

– I don’t think I have the answer to that. You probably have to call it yourself and listen to it. It will be exciting to see if he does without me, laughs Zinckernagel.

See more Elite Series stats on VG Live.