Gunnar Aursnes reveals the talk with Solskjaer that convinced Fredrik to join Molde | OneFootball

Fredrik Aursnes is now a key figure for Benfica, but his path hinged on a decisive meeting that eased doubts about leaving home in 2016. His father, Gunnar, says a conversation with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proved pivotal as the midfielder weighed a move to Molde.

"There were steps forward and back, and he had to speak to Ole Gunnar before he was convinced Molde was the right place. We travelled at night, in the dark, and met him at the stadium the next day. After a good conversation we ended up signing the contract. So yes, Solskjaer meant a lot," he told Dagbladet.

"He knocked over a player who was 30 kilograms heavier. When Solskjaer saw that, he understood what he had signed," Gunnar recalled, referencing a European match against Sevilla.

Aursnes, who could be Benfica’s next captain, has long kept a low profile. "It is the reserve he has always had. He is like his father and is quite introverted. I would say, 'If you do not want to go, that is fine'."

"Having my son in the national team is something huge. Few get there, so of course it is significant. He has changed and grown, obviously. He is more sure of himself, but as a person I do not think he has changed that much."

Source: Glorioso 1904