Ricky van Wolfswinkel insists he has made the right decision to join Norwich City.
The 24-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable goalscorers in European football, having scored 38 goals in 50 appearances for Sporting Lisbon. Prior to his move to the Portuguese giants, he was also prolific in his homeland of Holland, regularly finding the back of the net for Utrecht following his 2009 move from Vitesse.
Van Wolfswinkel had in the past been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, so it was something of a surprise when in March he agreed to join Norwich. Some pundits have questions his motive for moving to a club who can’t offer him European football, and one which flirted with relegation this season.
However, the striker has defended his decision to head to Carrow Road, and he is already relishing linking up with his new team-mates on 1 July. He has also revealed that manager Chris Hughton has told him he will be the main striker for the Canaries, which has helped instil confidence in him that he can succeed in the Premier League.
“Some people may see my transfer as a step back,” said the Dutch international, who has one cap for his country. “But the Premier League is bigger than the Portuguese league. Life is good in Portugal, but the football has to be on a certain level too. Sporting ended this season as seventh in the league; the club has not won prizes for many years.
“Sporting remains a big club of course, but especially because of its history. Norwich is a small club compared to Sporting, but also a friendly club with a beautiful stadium and good fans. That suits me. The manager said I will be his number one striker. I know have to battle for it, but it’s always good to get the confidence.”
