Tribute to Harald Nielsen

Harald, nicknamed ‘Gold Harald’, was a co-founder of FC Copenhagen in 1992 and worked later as chairman from 1992 to 1997, before he continued as non-executive director until 2006.

He always had a positive nature, industrious work ethic and as one of the sport's greatest gentlemen left his mark on the club's development and identity. We all have much to thank Harald for at FC Copenhagen.

Prior to his work at FC Copenhagen Harald had a hugely successful career. He left boyhood club Frederikshavn fI for Italian football in 1961, where he played for Bologna, Inter, Napoli and Sampdoria.

In 1959 he had become the youngest ever debutant in the Danish national side and gained 14 caps, scoring 15 goals. However, he was barred from the national team when he moved to Italy to become a professional.

He was Serie A top scorer in both the 1962/63 and the 1963/64 season, netting 19 and 17 goals respectively while at Bologna. He became the first Danish player of the year in 1961.

In 1978, Harald became one of the driving forces behind the introduction of professional football in Denmark. And, more than a decade later, he helped establish FC Copenhagen. In 2010 was included in the football Hall of Fame and remains an honorary member of FC Copenhagen.

Harald is survived by his wife Rudi and two children. Everyone at FC Copenhagen would like to offer their warmest thoughts to all the family.

In Friday's game against FC Midtjylland players will wear black armbands to mark our respect and in our upcoming home game against AGF we will honour Harald with a minute's silence.

Anders Hørsholt.