Schelderp: 'CT said I would have been at Barca if I had accepted Copenhagen'
Benfica winger Andreas Scheldorp was reminded of past decisions in the wake of Norway's World Cup qualification: Solbakken asked him to settle for Copenhagen as a 15-year-old, while Scheldorp opted for Nordsjælland. The coach still left and said with a smile, 'If I had accepted Copenhagen that day, you would be at Barca right now.'
Andreas Scheldorp is currently in a special phase with the Norwegian team. A nation that has watched the big tournaments from the divan for generations of children will now go to the finals, an achievement that is extremely emotional for Schelderp. That top performance for Benfica made him a key player for the national team.
Schelderp said, "We have grown up; we are not used to seeing Norway in the finals. Until now it was only a dream, but it happened very quickly." He also recalled some personal resolutions in the event that he missed a turn like this.
Another thing that Schelderp said about that matter: when he was only 15, coach Solbakken tried to persuade him to sign for Copenhagen. But then he turned down Copenhagen's offer and opted for Nordsjaelland. Over the years Solbakken would fondly recall that decision as he lay dying.
Solbakken points to Roony Bardghji as an inviting example — Bardzhji signed with Barcelona after an easy nod in Copenhagen. Solbakken laughs amiably, "If you were in Copenhagen admitting you'd be in Barca now," Scheldorp shares the experience with a laugh.
One sentence in the story is perhaps the most surprising of all: Schelderp also touches on the effects of Mourinho's departure on his journey, with the chapter stating that Mourinho has now returned to Real Madrid. The story suggests that Shelderp is keenly aware of how all these small decisions can have big consequences on a career path.
The article concludes that the 2004-born winger has excelled in the Norwegian team under CT Solbakken, and his role has been exceptional in helping the team qualify for the 2026 World Cup.