Atletico Madrid signing Gronkjaer debut against Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid intend to hand a debut to new signing Jesper Gronkjaer for the city derby with Real Madrid on January 9.
The Danish international arrives at the Vicente Calderon for £1.5 million from Birmingham City and has signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

Gronkjaer will be granted his midseason break along with the rest of his new Atletico teammates by coach Caesar Ferrando, who is confident the winger will be fully fit and available for the massive derby clash with Real Madrid on the resumption to the second-half of the season.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce said last week: "Jesper could go away from here and do fantastically well but it hasn't quite happened for him. That is why we have been prepared to listen and see what clubs have got to offer."

"I'm not going to say the decision to let him go is down to the fans' reaction towards him."

"He has had a tough time since the summer with the loss of his mother and finding it difficult to adjust to a new club, a different area and a change of environment."

"For whatever reason some players do not settle. He has been terrific and not missed a day's training and is someone if your daughter brought them home you would be delighted. But it just hasn't quite worked out here for him."