Emanuel Pogatetz: "I'm full of drive"

On Wednesday, Emanuel Pogatetz was officially welcomed to 1. FC Nürnberg. The Austrian is expected to take responsibility straight away in the number 2 shirt.

On Wednesday, a new face was unveiled at 1. FC Nürnberg. Emanuel Pogatetz was officially welcomed at the club. The central defender arrives from VfL Wolfsburg and has signed a contract until June 30th, 2015. “We made contact with him last summer,” explained chairman Martin Bader at the press conference. “We are pleased that it worked out.”

“I hope to meet expectations,” said Emanuel Pogatetz. “I am full of drive and what to show what I can do.” On Tuesday, the Austrian, who was recently loaned out to West Ham United, completed both the lactate test and his medical. The following day, he joined training with his new teammates. “I have been really welcomed by the team,” said the 30-year-old.

The number 2 jersey

Pogatetz will wear the number 2 jersey at FCN, the former number of recently departed Timmy Simons. In the team the Austrian is expected to fulfil a similar role to the departed Belgian. “He can be a leader and take responsibility straight away,” explained manager Michael Wiesinger. “He coaches and talks a lot and can help us without a bedding-in period.”

“I want to show my strengths,” said Pogatetz, who labelled himself as “strong in the air and in the tackle,” before adding, “I can help the team progress with my experience.” He certainly has a great deal of that to offer. The Austria has made a total of 65 Bundesliga appearances in his career, 57 for Hannover 96 and 8 for VfL Wolfsburg. Between 2005 and 2010, Pogatetz played 129 games for FC Middlesbrough, 13 in the Championship and 113 in the Premier League.

International experience

Along with that, the central defender has made 35 UEFA Cup/Europa League appearances for Grazer AK, FC Middlesbrough and Hannover 96. He has also made four Champions League qualifiers with Grazer AK. Internationally, he has worn his county’s colours 67 times. The 6’2” defender has also worn the captain’s armband for both Austria and in England. 

Emanuel Pogatetz Profile:

Date of birth: 16.01.1983
Birthplace: Graz, Austria
Height: 6’2”
Position: Defence (central)
Former clubs: 
West Ham United (loan, 2013)
VfL Wolfsburg (2012-2013)
Hannover 96 (2010–2012)
FC Middlesbrough (2005–2010)
Spartak Moskau (loan, 2005)
Grazer AK (loan, 2003–2005)
FC Aarau (loan, 2002–2003)
FC Kärnten (2000–2001)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2001–2005)
SK Sturm Graz (Jugend, 1989–2000)

Achievements: 
Member of the 2008 European Championships with Austria
Austrian league winners, Grazer AK (2004)
Austrian cup winners, Grazer AK (2004) and FC Kärnten (2001)

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