Arsenal Legend Bendtner Reflects on Epic Contract Clause Tailored to Him
Nicklas Bendtner, the former Arsenal striker and Danish football legend, has recently opened up about an unusual clause in his contract with FC Copenhagen. In an upcoming documentary titled ‘Nicklas Bendtner – The Portrait’, he revealed that he was prohibited from drinking alcohol or skiing during his time with the Danish club. This unique contractual stipulation aimed to keep the maverick player in line.
Bendtner’s return to his home country of Denmark in September 2019 was met with great excitement among fans. Within a day of his signing, his shirts had sold out, signaling the warm welcome he received. However, the player arrived with a reputation for being somewhat of a wild card, and even Arsenal legend Thierry Henry had to “put him in his place” at one point. It seems that FC Copenhagen was determined to ensure Bendtner stayed on the right path.
According to reports from The Daily Star, Bendtner’s agent disclosed the details of the clause included in his contract: “You must accept that it must be stated in the contract that from now until the New Year you must not drink alcohol and you must not ski and things like that.” This requirement to abstain from alcohol and refrain from skiing was an attempt by the club to maintain discipline and focus within the team.
Bendtner himself spoke of this unusual clause, expressing his surprise and admiration for its inclusion in his contract. He remarked, “I don’t think everyone has it in the contract. Damn legendary.” Clearly, this provision made his time at FC Copenhagen a memorable experience, even if it was short-lived.
During his brief stint with FC Copenhagen, Bendtner scored just one goal in nine appearances for the senior side. However, he fared better for their reserve team, netting two goals in four matches. Despite the initial excitement surrounding his return to Denmark, the club decided not to extend his contract beyond the end of 2019, leading to his departure just three months after joining.
Following his time with FC Copenhagen, Bendtner went on to play for Tarnby FF before announcing his retirement from professional football in 2021. His retirement marked the end of an era for the talented striker, who had made a significant impact during his time at Arsenal.
Bendtner signed for Arsenal in 2004 as a promising teenager and quickly impressed with his skills in the reserve side. He made his senior debut for the Gunners a year later and went on to make 171 senior appearances, scoring 47 goals in total. His time at Arsenal was undoubtedly the highlight of his career, and he remains a devoted fan of the club. In fact, he was spotted wearing a retro Arsenal shirt at the Emirates Stadium during their 3-0 defeat against Brighton last season, proving that his love for the club still runs deep.
While Bendtner experienced success at various clubs throughout his career, his best spell came at Rosenborg in the Norwegian top-flight. During his time there, he scored an impressive 35 goals in 86 appearances across all competitions.
Nicklas Bendtner’s career may have had its ups and downs, but his recent revelations about the unique contract clause at FC Copenhagen have shed light on the challenges and expectations faced by professional footballers. His story serves as a reminder that even legendary players like Bendtner must adhere to certain rules and regulations in order to succeed on and off the pitch.