Jens Odgaard: the goal against Fiorentina and the European dream with Bologna

He comes from the North, like Santa Claus. But he has a golden beard that sparkles and he gave the gift to the people of Bologna ten days ahead of tradition. With that goal at Fiorentina, Jens odgaard he made young and old happy. The Viola in his destiny, despite themselves. Because a year ago, with not even half an hour of Serie A under his belt, the big boy from Hillerod came in and made it two nil with the first ball. With Thiago he was a spark, Italiano learned to love him little by little, finding him a place where tens once played. To be or not to be a trequartista? This is not a dilemma for the Prince of Denmark. He doesn't ask himself too many questions, the red and blue Hamlet: if anything, he dispenses answers. "I feel like a ten, but also a nine: in any role, I'm fine and I give my all. I've already played in the trequartista role, I'm not doing anything new". Who doesn't dream, however, of one day wearing the number 10 shirt? Him. "I can play with the 1, with the 2 on my back, for me there is no meaning behind a number. I like my 21". Substance and pragmatism.

Odgaard, but did you really understand how much your net weighs against the Fiorentina? "Yes, I think so. I had already tried it last season, I knew how special a race it was for the fans of the Bologna. In the days leading up to the match, you can feel a particular atmosphere, the fever of a big event".

The moment you are experiencing in the championship is also great. But tomorrow there is the Torino... "It's always complicated to play at the home of the Granata: they are a very physical team, they have a lot of strength, especially at home. But we are ready and prepared".

Where do you want to get to this year? Returning to the Champions League seems impossible. "Nothing is impossible. But it's easier to think game by game. We beat Fiorentina, good: now focus on the Torino. Afterwards, on with the VeronaWe have to focus on the next match, everything else is out of our control."

It sounds like Thiago. By the way, were you surprised by Motta's show at the Stadium? All those protests, the expulsion... "Sometimes emotions take over, it can happen to anyone".

Did you speak to him after the race? "No, I haven't heard from him since he left Bologna".

Italiano, on the other hand, seems to have been here forever, for the feeling he has created with the group. "The coach arrived before the season started, he took his time to get to know the environment and the people. With him we have grown a lot and we continue to improve with every game. Italiano has control of the group and the team is happy with the progress they are making".

Ok, let's leave the Champions League aside. But what is Europe for you? A dream or a goal? "Playing in the cups is everyone's dream, but I think that for us it is a concrete, possible goal: we have all the qualities to achieve it".

From the outside, it is clear that your strength is the group. Which teammate have you bonded with the most? "I have to say Sam, Beukema. We were teammates at AZ, in Holland: we have been friends for a long time. He is one of the family".

And the funniest teammate? "This year we have a new number one: Holm. Emil is the craziest: he's a dancer, he's a singer, he's an entertainer. In the locker room he makes everyone laugh."

Tell us a little about yourself: which team did you support as a child? "As a child I watched the Premier League and the Bundesliga with my father: he supported Everton, so I chose Liverpool".

What was the emotion for that child to arrive and step onto the pitch at Anfield? "It's a legendary stadium, full of history. It was a wonderful experience, especially because it was full of Bologna fans: seeing them all so close to the pitch was an incredible emotion".

Other footballers in the family? "No, I'm the only one. Mine is a family of handball players: in Denmark handball is very popular. My parents played this sport and my uncle was a great player in my country."

She has many tattoos: is there one that she cares about in particular? She uncovers her left arm and shows her wrist. "There are three: my parents' birthdate and that of my sister, three years older than me. Then I have other tattoos that I'm attached to, but also many others that I did just because I liked them aesthetically."

Santi Castro immediately tattooed the Tower of Marathon. "I haven't thought about dedicating something to it yet. Bologna. Who knows, maybe...".

But she to Bologna How is it? "I felt welcome straight away. I've been here for almost a year, but I feel part of the city and the club. In short, I'm super super happy to be here."

What do you like most about living in Italy and the one you like the least? Honest, eh. "I'll start with the one I like the least. I'll be honest: in the summer when we play with 35 degrees, well, that's too much for me (laughs, ed.). But I don't want to complain, because the climate here is definitely better than ours. The thing I love the most, however, is the mood of the people: they are much more open than in Scandinavia. All very kind, I like this lifestyle and I'm getting used to it."

If you hadn't been a footballer, what would you have liked to do? "I think I would probably have lived in Copenhagen, I would have opened a small restaurant or a bar with some of my friends. Nothing sensational. Luckily, I became a footballer".

What do you ask of 2025 as a footballer? "2024 was a year that gave me a lot on a sporting level and I hope that the next one will be just as beautiful. I hope to improve myself and the Bologna as a team: we have everything to succeed."

The national team? "It's a big dream. I have to keep working hard and hope that one day it will come true."

And what does he hope for as a man? "Simply to continue to be happy with my family, my partner, my dog ​​and my friends."

At Christmas he returns to Denmark? "No, I will stay here, my family will come to Bologna. We will have dinner on the 24th, because for us Danes that is Christmas: the 25th is not celebrated. Sam will also be with us, because he is alone here, his family will be traveling".

The fans are hoping for another gift tomorrow... "I thought I was fine with the goal at Fiorentina (laughs, ed.) But I will do my best to give them another joy."