Hooiveld explains Copenhagen move

Jos Hooiveld is chasing a title treble after moving on loan to FC Copenhagen.

The defender won championships in Finland and Sweden before moving to Celtic with his new club 19 points clear of second placed OB at the half way stage of the Danish season.

Next month Copenhagen face Chelsea in the Champions League but after missing almost the whole of 2010 the Dutchman is desperate to get playing again.

“I’m looking forward to going back to Scandinavia, where I have had the greatest success in my career,” Hooiveld told the FC Copenhagen website. “I have won championships in both Sweden and Finland, and am now delighted to come to Scandinavia’s greatest team.

“I personally have had a good time in Scotland, but sporting-wise it has been a little frustrating because I’ve suffered a fairly long injury process, and it is only this season that I have been totally fit.

“Now I’ve got a fighting chance to show my qualities in FC Copenhagen and I will do everything to pay back the trust. I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Hooiveld could have returned to AIK Solna but chose to go to Copenhagen on a six month deal with a fee agreed to make the move permanent.

Copenhagen Sporting Dorector Carsten Jansen said: “Jos Hooiveld impressed us greatly in his time at AIK Stockholm, where he was one of the leading forces in AIK’s championship and cup titles in the 2010 season.

“We followed Jos closely and were slightly disappointed when he suddenly signed for Celtic FC.

“After a difficult year with injuries and little playing time in Scotland, we now have the opportunity to see Jos at close quarters for an extended period, and it pleases me.

“Jos is a natural left-central defender, so is slightly different from our other players at that position, which gives us new opportunities.”

Copenhagen resume their season on Monday at home to Velje and play the first leg of their Champions League ties with Chelsea on February 22.

Despite playing for Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers against Braga Hooiveld is eligible to play for Copenhagen against Chelsea.