Erik Hagen

Erik Hagen (born 20 July 1975) is a retired Norwegian footballer who played as a centre-back in Norway and Russia, as well as for the Norwegian national team, earning 28 caps.

Erik Hagen
Hagen with Zenit, c. 2005-08
Personal information
Full nameErik Bjørnstad Hagen
Date of birth (1975-07-20) 20 July 1975 (age 48)
Place of birthVeme, Norway
Height1.87 m (6 ft 1+12 in)
Position(s)Defender
Youth career
Jevnaker
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1994–1996Jevnaker42(6)
1996–1997Liv/Fossekallen42(6)
1998–1999Strømsgodset IF24(0)
2000–2004Vålerenga112(4)
2005–2008Zenit Saint Petersburg67(3)
2008Wigan Athletic (loan)1(0)
2008–2010Vålerenga27(0)
2010–2011Hønefoss20(1)
2011–2013Jevnaker25(4)
Total360(25)
International career
2004–2007Norway28(3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

Club

During his time with Vålerenga, Hagen received the nickname "Panzer" from the club's fans. Amongst other things he created a "hate list" of Norwegian footballers in the club magazine Vål'enga Magasin, containing the likes of Vidar Riseth.[1]

Hagen won the Kniksen Award as Defender of the Year, and as Kniksen of the Year in 2004. The Kniksen award is the highest individual award for a Norwegian footballer.

In December 2004 Hagen was sold to Zenit Saint Petersburg, becoming the first Norwegian footballer to play in Russia. In 2005, he played 28 league matches for Zenit, receiving 12 cautions. In January 2006 he was elected vice-captain by the team.

On 31 January 2008, it was announced that Hagen would be joining Premier League club Wigan Athletic, signing on loan until the end of the English season.[2] However, he only made one appearance for the team, in the away defeat at Portsmouth.

On 28 July 2008, Hagen appeared at the Vålerenga home game against Tromsø, where it was announced he had re-signed for the club until the end of the 2010 season. The return of one of Vålerenga's most popular players was well received with supporters.

During an interview in April 2014, Hagen admitted to bribing a referee in a European match during his time with Zenit Saint Petersburg.[3]

International career

Hagen made his debut, aged 29, for the Norwegian national team away to Scotland on 9 October 2004. Norway won 1–0.

Personal life

Hagen has a twin brother, Rune Hagen, who also plays professional football. He signed for Vålerenga at the same time as his brother.[citation needed]

Career statistics

Club

Source:[4][5]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Zenit Saint Petersburg2005Russian Premier League28050-80-410
200624050-50-340
200715050-20-220
20080000-00-00
Total673150--150--973
Wigan Athletic (loan)2007–08[6]Premier League100000--10
Vålerenga2008Tippeligaen6000---60
200921020-00-230
Total27020--00--290
Hønefoss2010Tippeligaen17010--20200
2011Adeccoligaen3000---30
Total20010----20230
Career total115318000150201503

International

Source:[7]
Norway national team
YearAppsGoals
200430
200590
200671
200792
Total283

International goals

#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
11 March 2006Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar, Senegal  Senegal1-21-2Friendly
217 October 2007Asim Ferhatović Hase Stadium, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  Bosnia and Herzegovina1-02-0UEFA European Championship 2008 Qual.
317 November 2007Ullevaal stadion, Oslo, Norway  Turkey1-01-2UEFA European Championship 2008 Qual.

References