København cement Antonelius move

Swedish defender Tomas Antonelius has joined FC København from English first division club Coventry City FC in a bid to cement a 2002 FIFA World Cup squad place.

Goalless draw
The transfer ends København coach Hans Backe's search for a defender following his admission recently that he was seeking a replacement for right-back Thomas Rytter. Central defender Bo Svensson started at right-back in a friendly draw against Halmstads BK on Saturday, but had to leave the pitch after half an hour due to injury. His replacement, young midfield player Hjalte Bo Nørregaard, also failed to impress.

'Optimal choices'
"None of the players we have used in that position are top choices and, in terms of the bigger picture, Bo Svensson must fight for a position in the central defence," Backe said. "But I don't think we have finished buying new players yet.''

'International experience'
Hours later, the club announced that a deal for the 29-year-old Antonelius had been struck. "I've followed Tomas for a long time and he was at the top of the list of players I wanted to see at FC København,'' said sports director Niels-Christian Holmstrom. "He has important international experience and is a strong defender who can also contribute to an attack. Tomas Antonelius is in many ways similar to Thomas Rytter and I'm very pleased that we've been able to fulfil coach Hans Backe's wish."

Plagued by injuries
Antonelius, formerly known as Tomas Gustafsson, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Danish champions. He joined Coventry from AIK Solna in November 1999 but was plagued by a knee injury, which kept him out for the entire 2000/01 season. After just six appearances this season, Antonelius has moved to København.

'Great ambitions'
Antonelius admitted that a wish to add to his five international caps in this summer's World Cup finals inspired the move. "I'm really happy to be coming to the best club in Scandinavia," he said. "I got a taste of international football during my time with AIK and I feel that FC København is a club with great ambitions. Moreover I hope to be considered for a place in the Swedish World Cup squad."