Martin Andresen

Martin Andresen (born February 2, 1977 in Kråkstad) is a Norway football midfielder.

Career

Martin Andresen was a regular on many Norwegian national youth teams while playing for Moss F.K], Viking F.K] and Stabæk I.F] from 1995-1999. After the 1999 season, Andresen was sold to the Premier League club Wimbledon F.C. in a deal worth £1,8 million. But as many of the other Norwegians in the club, his stay became short and unsuccessful. After a short loan deal at Molde F.K], Andresen returned to his motherclub Stabæk in 2001, where he proved himself to be one of the best central midfielders in Norway.

After a brilliant 2003 season, where Stabæk captured the bronze medals in the Norwegian Premier League, Andresen was loaned out to the Premier League club Blackburn Rovers from February-August 2004, but didn't sign a longer deal with the English club. Andresen once again decided to return to Stabæk to save the club from relegation from the Norwegian Premier League, but despite that Andresen played even while injured, Stabæk couldn't save their spot in the highest Norwegian league. Andresen, not willing to play in the Adeccoligaen, asked to be sold. Many clubs in Norway where interested in the newly appointed national team Captain (football), but the high price scared many away, including the champions Rosenborg B.K]. Brann, with help from local investors signed Andresen December 23 2004.

Brann

Martin Andresen became the most expensive transfer in S.K. Brann history, in a deal worth ca. 15.000.000 NOK (£ 1.310.000).
After a disappointing first season, much ruined by injuries, Andresen made it clear that he would be "fit for fight" in 2006. In the pre-season he was appointed captain for S.K. Brann, clearly showing his importance for the club on and of the field. In 2006, Brann had their best season opening ever, much thanks to Andresen directing his teammates from his central midfielder position. He has in recent games been captain of the Norwegian national team, playing in central midfield.

Honours

Norway

- Norwegian football cup: 1998

Individual

- Kniksen award: 2003

- Kniksen award: midfielder of the year in 2003

- Norwegian Football Association Gold Watch

Trivia

- Martin Andresen has been voted the sexiest man in Norwegian football
- Martin Andresen is a heir to the Norwegian furniture manufacturer Skeidar
- Martin Andresen is one of Norway's top Contract Bridge players.
- Martin Andresen said in an interview with Verdens Gang in 2000, he has been a fan of Vålerenga IF since he was young.