Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen has explained why his time with the Bees has been the best of his life, in an exclusive interview in Saturday’s Brighton matchday programme.
Sitting in a quiet corner of Sam’s Waterside, the Dane also chatted about family life in west London, as well as what he told Keith Andrews after the Irishman replaced Thomas Frank as head coach.
“I will look back on Brentford as being the best time of my life,” Jensen said.
“Football has obviously been a big part of that: we got promoted, and then we’ve been able to stay in the Premier League, not just surviving but actually competing with the best teams in the world.
“But I had also all my children and got married during my time in Brentford, which are the most important things in life - I experienced them here.
“I remember Thomas always used to say that whenever we leave this place, we would think back at it as one of the best times of our careers… I quite agree with that.”
On Andrews’ appointment over the summer, Jensen added: “I didn't see it coming, but I always felt like he had something in him: he was always very demanding and good at communicating.
“So I was excited, and I told him that on one of the first days in pre-season.
“It can’t have been easy to take over from Thomas, in one way, because he did so well.
“In another way, there weren’t too many expectations on Keith because we lost our head coach and some big players.
“But I definitely didn’t fear getting relegated. I was just more excited to see how well we would do, because I knew the quality we had in the squad.”
Also in your Brentford v Arsenal matchday programme
From the Dugout: Head coach Keith Andrews shares his thoughts ahead of Brighton's visit to TW8
In Opposition: An in-depth look at the Seagulls
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
The Nathan Caton Column: Brentford-supporting comedian provides his thoughts
100 Years in Red and White: An extended interview with former Bees midfielder Gavin Mahon
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