Brighton & HA v Leeds United: English football remains the best – Forssell

Not only does Germany’s top division boast the highest average attendances on the continent but competition is so fierce that the past five years have brought four different winners.

And as if that was not enough to give every German football fan a satisfying smile, ticket prices are also kept low to ease the burden on supporters – something that, much to the envy of other leagues on the continent, does not prevent the Bundersliga’s member clubs posting a collective profit each season.

As notable as these are, however, Mikael Forssell, who recently had three years in Germany with Hannover 96, is in no doubt as to where he wants to play football.

“England is the best place to be,” admits the 30-year-old Finland international when talking to the Yorkshire Post ahead of tonight’s match at Brighton & Hove Albion.

“I enjoyed my time in Germany and the Bundersliga is a really strong league with the biggest attendances in Europe. But I still missed English football a lot and was desperate to get back.

“I first came here when I was 17. I signed for Chelsea and really enjoyed it, as I did playing for my other clubs in England (Crystal Palace and Birmingham City). I was here for 10 years in total and built a life in this country. I enjoyed Germany but this is where I want to play.

“I know from my experience that the Premier League is a great competition. But so is the Championship. I love being here because the tackles are flying and everyone gets stuck in.”

Forssell’s return was sealed earlier this month when Simon Grayson, who yesterday signed Danny Pugh on loan with a view to a permanent £500,000 transfer going through in January, offered the Finland international a one-year contract after he had impressed on trial.

His debut came just a few days later, the 30-year-old making an immediate impact by coming off the bench against Crystal Palace and setting up Ross McCormack’s late winner.

Since then, he has also enjoyed appearances from the bench against Bristol City and Manchester United to leave Forssell eagerly looking forward to tonight’s game in Sussex – not least as it will bring a reunion with former Chelsea team-mate Gus Poyet.

The extensive links between the Blues and Leeds in recent years is why Forssell was fully up to speed with the goings-on at Elland Road even before arriving on trial in late summer.

He said: “Ken Bates is obviously someone I know well from my time at Stamford Bridge, as is Gwyn Williams (United’s technical director). There have also been quite a few other people with Chelsea connections who have been at Leeds, meaning I have followed what has happened here closely.

“I played with Tore Andre Flo, Dennis Wise and, of course, Gus Poyet, so I know the club’s recent history. It has not had the best of times, I know that.

“But, hopefully now, Leeds United are moving in the right direction and getting back towards where it belongs in the Premier League.”

Forssell faced Leeds several times in the top-flight, telling the Yorkshire Post with a mischievous smile on his face: “I scored for Birmingham in both games during the season Leeds went down, though maybe I shouldn’t mention it”.

He added: “This club is a big club. It is legendary and I am very proud to wear the shirt. I had offers from elsewhere in Europe, including a few from England, but Leeds really appealed.

“It is why I came for the trial and was prepared to be patient. I could have gone to other clubs without a trial but I wanted to be here.”

Forssell’s three years in Germany were spent with Hannover 96, during which time the club finished 11th, 15th and fourth in the Bundersliga.

“I really enjoyed it at the beginning,” says the 30-year-old. “But, unfortunately, I then broke my foot. The doctor made a bad diagnosis so a two-month injury became one lasting eight months.

“That was not good and put me back a lot. Last season, the team played really well and that meant I didn’t play enough. The two strikers scored a lot of goals so I never got a chance.

“As my contract got close to expiring, I decided to move on and am delighted to be at Leeds United.”

Simon Grayson’s side arrive at the American Express Stadium tonight in 11th place, knowing that a victory over Poyet’s men would be enough to propel them up to the play-off places – albeit only until tomorrow’s round of games come to an end.

Forssell added: “I want to do my bit to help, so it was pleasing to be involved in helping create the winner (against Palace). This is a good squad with a lot of good attacking players so I am enjoying it. I feel fine as well. People are often surprised when they find out how old I am. I seem to have been around forever, probably because I was just 17 when I first played for Chelsea.

“To me, though, that is a good thing. I feel great in my body and know I have a few good years left in me. It would be great to be able to get back to the Premier League, which is a great competition, with Leeds.”

Paddy Kisbnorbo is added to the squad following a one-game ban along with Pugh, who has returned to the club where he scored six goals in his only full season.

Since then, the 28-year-old has played for Preston North End and Stoke City but was frozen out of the Potters’ 25-man Premier League squad earlier this month.

Last six games: Brighton & Hove Albion DWWWLL, Leeds United DWLWWL.

Referee: L Probert (Wiltshire).

Last time: Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Leeds United 3; November 21, 2009; League One.