Morten Gamst Pedersen moved one step closer to fulfilling his ambition of playing until 40 as he signed for a third tier club in his homeland.

Pedersen has joined Alta IF in Norway having been a free agent since leaving boyhood club Tromso at the end of last season.

The 38-year-old played 32 times last season in the Eliteserien but couldn’t help save Tromso from relegation as they finished second bottom in the table.

 

 

Although Pedersen’s four year spell at Tromso ended, his desire to continue playing saw him spend time at Brockhall in January, using Rovers’ training facilities in a bid to stay fit.

There were offers from around the globe for Pedersen, but he has now signed for Alta IF, a third tier team in the northern region of Norway.

“It is tempting to come home to Finnmark now and be part of an exciting project in Alta IF. We have ambitions to lift the club, and I would like to be part of that, ”Pedersen told his new club’s website.

“I want to give something back to Finnmark football, and I look forward to getting started with this year's season.”

Pedersen spent nine years at Rovers between 2004 and 2013, leaving the club after 349 appearances and he has stated his desire to return to Rovers, in whatever capacity, in the future.

Still popular with the club’s fans, Pedersen delighted a sold-out question and answer evening at the club in January, before receiving a hero’s welcome when introduced on the pitch ahead of the 1-1 draw with Preston.

“Life is too short to be grumpy, I’m in a happy place,” said Pedersen in January.

“I’ve been in Turkey, Rosenberg and Tromso and now I’m a free transfer, doing business outside.

“We are very privileged to play football, to have this as your job, you have to play as long as you can because you never know when it’s going to stop.

“I said that I was going to play until I’m at least 40, so at least two more years to play, but I want to play as long as my body will let me and I have something to give.

“The drive is the same, I want to play football. I played because I loved the game, that’s the main thing and I look forward to play football for more years.”

Alta IF finished sixth in the Postnord League Division Two and head coach Vidar Johnsen was delighted to secure Pedersen’s signature.

He said: “This is primarily a big sporting boost for us.”