Fulham defender Brede Hangeland spoke of his admiration and respect for Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed as Fulham strengthened their position in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Blackpool.
The Norwegian international captain spoke of the great adventure he has experienced since joining Al Fayed and his Team from Copenhagen in January 2008 as Fulham prepare for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Champions elect, Manchester United.
“The Chairman has done fantastic things for this Club and we all owe him so much,” Hangeland told fulhamfc.com. “He comes in occasionally and talks to the players and he’s a really nice guy. We know what he’s done for the Club, in my time, and long before I was at Fulham.
“We all have a lot of respect for him and only good things to say about him. He’s the main factor why the Club has done so well over the last ten years or so. I’ve been part of a great adventure with him as Chairman.”
As one of the Barclays Premier League’s outstanding central defenders in recent seasons, Hangeland has no shortage of admirers, but as the towering defender pointed out, he is more than happy plying his trade with the Club from SW6 that took him to a European Cup Final last season.
“There’s been speculation about me during my time at the Club, but I’ve always said, I really enjoy it here,” Brede explained. “It’s speculation from the media. I’m contracted at Fulham for this season and two more. It’s [FFC] full of good people and surrounded by good people.
“I’ve been very fortunate. I lived in Copenhagen for two years and now a little over three years in London. I’m sure you could live here for 100 years and not see half of the city. I’m really happy with the clubs I’ve come to.
“It’s such a gift to be able to be a professional footballer and go to live where you would never normally live and experience different cultures. I’ve been very fortunate in that respect.”