Fulham skipper Brede Hangeland has expressed his delight at meeting up again with his team-mates for the start of pre-season training.
Hangeland and the rest of the squad were put through their paces in the beaming sunshine at Motspur Park this morning after returning from their summer holidays to prepare for the new campaign.
The Norwegian was greeted by a number of familiar faces in addition to Martin Jol’s two summer signings as the group eased their way back into things, before the real hard work starts ahead of next month’s big kick-off.
Hangeland said “It’s very good to be back and it’s nice to be with the boys again. I think everyone has had a good break so we’re ready to go again.
“It’s nice weather so it was a great day to start pre-season. I think everyone enjoyed it – it wasn’t too hard and everyone looked fit and happy, so everything’s good.
“Maarten Stekelenburg was here and Derek Boateng also so it was good to meet them. They seem like nice guys and we’re happy to have them here.”
The squad are due to continue their preparations at Motspur for the next few days, before jetting out to Costa Rica, to play a trio of friendlies against local sides.
Hangeland admits it’s a trip he and his team-mates are really looking forward to, given the exotic setting.
He added: “There are plenty of places you can go in the world but I’m sure that, apart from Bryan Ruiz, most of us won’t have been to Costa Rica before, so I’m looking forward to that.
“Most importantly, though, we’re there to do some good training. Bryan’s told us how nice a place it is and that it’s going to be warm, with good conditions, so it’s something that we’re all quite excited about.”
