Brisbane Roar have added much-needed steel to their midfield by signing former Danish international Thomas Kristensen for the upcoming A-League season.
Kristensen, 33, is a direct replacement for the Roar's reigning player of the year Corona, who made a surprising return to Spain earlier this month despite having a year left to run on his contract.
Much like Corona, Kristensen brings a wealth of experience to Brisbane, having played seven seasons for top Danish club FC Copenhagen before spending the last two years in the Dutch Eredivisie with ADO Den Haag.
But unlike the diminutive Spaniard, Kristensen is a more defensively-minded player who is not afraid to put his imposing giant frame on the line -- a bonus for coach John Aloisi, who believes his side were often bullied by bigger-bodied opponents last season.
"His ability to play the ball will suit our style, but he'll give us that balance defensively we need as well," Aloisi told reporters on Wednesday.
Kristensen said he knew little about the A-League, but his interest was piqued when former international teammate and good friend Morten Nordstrand signed for the Newcastle Jets midway through last season.
Despite his advancing years, Kristensen has a reasonably clean injury record and believes he has plenty of football still left in him.
"From what I see, [Brisbane] is a club that's usually in the top. Hopefully we can play for the championship," he said.
Kristensen's contract with the Roar does not officially begin until August 1, meaning he won't be involved in Friday's behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
