Sigi sad to leave after completing £7 million switch.
Anthony Smith • Published 31 Aug 2010 09:30
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Final farewell: Gylfi Sigurdsson calls time on his Reading career by chipping Leicester City goalkeeper Conrad Logan to set his side on their way to a 2-1 victory on Saturday. Pic: Tony Knox.
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GYLFI Sigurdsson has told of his “sadness” at leaving Reading to sign for German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
The gifted 20-year-old midfielder completed his move last night for a club-record fee of around £7 million.
It is thought the Icelandic ace will be officially unveiled later today. Speaking on his arrival in Germany, he said: “I am taking a big leap, but it is hopefully just one of many leaps.
“I say goodbye to Reading with a lot of sadness and I will miss the club a lot.
“I never expected to go to Germany but a good offer arrived, both for me and the club. The Bundesliga is a great league with a lot of strong teams and it will be exciting to play there.
“I am really happy with the contract and I have a great feeling about the team and everything around it. This is very exiting.”
Sigurdsson joined Royals as a 15-year-old and developed quickly in the club’s Academy.
He banged in 20 goals last season to win the Player of the Year award, and had scored twice again this season including one in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Leicester.
It is thought Royals will receive an initial payment of around £6 million with more to come in future add ons. However, his first club in Iceland, Breidablik, also stand to profit due a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
Sigurdsson signed a four-year deal with Hoffenheim, though he says he knew very little about them before his move.
“Hoffenheim is a club on the way up and plans to win things in the future,” he added. “I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t know a lot about the club at first.
“I think the style of football will suit me well. I fully understand I won’t be walking into the first 11 here as the team has started the season well. I have to prepare myself for a lot competition.”
Royals fans also fear goalkeeper Adam Federici could go before the transfer window closes at midnight tonight.
The Australian international has been heavily linked with Liverpool and Spurs, while Fulham could also be interested should Mark Schwarzer go to Arsenal today.
It means Royals boss Brian McDermott faces a race against time in a bid to sign replacements.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 31 Aug 10
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