Munching on a bowl of gratin potatoes, going shoeless indoors and being treated like a God are just some of the many nuances that American striker Pat Noonan is experiencing in Norway where he plays for Aalesunds FK of the Norwegian Premier League. I caught up with the former Indiana Hoosier and found out how much he’s enjoying his new workplace.

What’s been the most unique food that you’ve eaten during your stay in Norway?

My favorite dish that I have here is at a restaurant that is within two minutes walking distance from my apartment. It’s reindeer with a bernaisse sauce and vegetables. The side dish is a bowl of gratin potatoes that are amazing. I could eat it four times a week, but thankfully…I don’t.

Do soccer players get special treatment in Norway, are they revered?

In such a small town as Alesund (pop. 45,000) there is no question that the players are treated like Gods. You can pretty much get recognized anywhere you go, but the people won’t bother you too much…which is nice. They are very passionate fans and love treating the players well. I am pretty new here but have seen the special treatment at all sorts of new locations around town…clubs, cafes, stores (there are many stores where the players get a discount for being a part of the team).

Can you describe a day in your life as a professional soccer player in Norway?

We train at 9:30 or 10 am until about noon. After training I usually grab lunch at one of my two favorite cafes in town with my fiancee. After lunch we may walk around town a bit (if it’s not raining, which happens often). I either take a nap or mess around on the computer for a bit when I get back from lunch. Dinner usually takes place around 8pm and before and after dinner I will usually catch up on American television with movies or tv series. I usually go to bed around midnight, but that fluctuates.

What is a totally Norwegian thing you’ve noticed since you’ve been there?

One thing that I didn’t realize Norwegians do is that they take off their shoes when they enter a house. I have forgotten many times and people will definitely say something. Norwegians also do something called Snus a lot. It’s like having a dip (tobacco), but less poweful. Almost all of my team does it and they put it in their upper lip. They come in tiny packets. You can even find women doing it.

On the field, what do you like most about the game in Norway?

I like the technical side of the game very much here. All over the field you can find players with good technique that don’t get nervous on the ball. The ball moves quickly and on target a good amount of the game.

You’re making more money in Norway than you were in Major League Soccer…have you invested in real estate, stocks or do you buy toys with all your cash?

I like to think that I am smart with my money and that’s why I have someone else take care of it. (laughs)

How much Norwegian have you learned and what is your favorite word or phrase?

I’m sad to say that I haven’t learned much Norwegian at all. I know the bare necessities and that’s pretty much it. My favorite phrase…I obviously won’t be telling or translating for you, sorry.

 

QUESTION FOR YOU READERS: If you could play for any club in the world, what club would it be and why?

Mark Lincir’s (3rd person reference) answer: I’d play for A.C. Milan so that I could be on the same team as Gattusso, so he couldn’t two-foot me (well, except in practice maybe).

 

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