Icelandic striker delighted to put pen to paper and hopes to make more happy memories at the club
Eidur Gudjohnsen is back at Bolton Wanderers and eager to add another chapter to his glittering playing career to date.
Undoubtedly Iceland’s most recognised player, Gudjohnsen’s career has seen him amass an array of silverware since his departure from Wanderers just over 14 years ago.
He has since gone on to play for Chelsea, Barcelona, Monaco, Tottenham and AEK Athens amongst others, most notably collecting Premier League and La Liga winners’ medals as well as a UEFA Champions League crown.
But now he is back at Bolton – a club he still holds very close to his heart – and desperate to play his part in helping the side climb the league table.
“It feels great to be back,” Gudjohnsen told bwfc.co.uk. “I had my doubts in the summer about whether I should actually continue my playing career, but this opportunity came up and I didn’t think twice about it.
“I have some great memories from my previous time here and I now hope to make some more.”
Gudjohnsen has been training with Bolton for the past three weeks, gradually building up his fitness having being without a club since leaving Belgian side Club Brugge in the summer.
He added: “There was some initial contact between myself and Gudni Bergsson. We contacted the club and were greeted by a very positive reaction from Phil Gartside and Neil Lennon.
“The manager said he would be delighted if I came in so he could have a good look at me in training, which I was of course more than happy to do. I wanted to get a feel for the place too and see what kind of a level I am at – I wanted to know that I can still play a part.
“Two or three weeks have since passed in which I’ve been working very hard. It has been very good for me to get the games with the development squad and under-21s.
“It has been a while since I’ve played competitive football, but I’m injury-free and raring to go. I feel rejuvenated, so that’s a big plus.
“I’m here to show that I can still contribute and to bring something to the team. I’m not just coming here for the fun of it - I want to keep playing whilst I feel fit.
“We want to improve our position in the league. That is the most important thing and if I can play a part in that then that would be brilliant.
“The manager has said some positive things. The plan was always to come in and get my fitness levels up and that has been happening in the last few weeks.
“I’ll continue to put a bit of extra work in to try and get up to speed as quickly as I can.”
And when asked about how Bolton Wanderers had changed from when he last turned out for the club back in the Millennium, Gudjohnsen, with a smile, said: “It’s still one of the friendliest places on earth for me. There’s a great atmosphere around the club and I’ve been made to feel very welcome.
“The facilities have certainly improved a lot, and you can see where the club have gone since I was last here.
“I’ve read and heard a bit of the response from the fans - it makes me very proud. I’ve always had a great relationship with the Bolton fans and with the people here.
“Back in the day I came here and left on very good terms. Whenever I’ve come back here I’ve always received a very warm welcome. Now I want to give something back to the club.”