Norway-based Dauda Bortu has made a return to competitive football after more than a year without a club. The Liberian striker completed a move to the Norwegian second division club, FK Mjolner, on Tuesday, April 2 after completing his medical.

Bortu, who last played for the Norwegian second division side SK Baeru, signed a deal that will keep him at Mjolner until 2019. The 1.5-year deal came at an undisclosed amount. The deal was completed just months after the 21-year-old’s deal to move to Azerbaijan collapsed.

Speaking to The Bush Chicken after completing the move, Bortu said he’s excited about the new challenge but his goals remain the same.

“It’s been a while and right now, I can’t wait to get started,” Bortu said. “I am excited about the new challenge which I am about to take on. It is a new team but my goals remain the same. With Mjolner, I am ready to do my best to get to where I want to be. It requires hard work and I’m ready for it.”

The young Liberian began his football career with Baerum’s academy after he departed Liberia. With Baerum, Bortu grew as a footballer and played for the senior team. He spent two seasons with the club before declining to extend his contract. With the hope of making it to the bigger stage, Bortu turned down several offers from lower tier clubs during his time on the sideline. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure a deal as he decided to continue playing in Norway in order to keep his career on the right path.

He made his debut for Lone Star on March 28, 2016 when Liberia demolished Djibouti at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium. He came on during the second half to help Liberia whip Djibouti 5-0.

With the 2018 Norwegian second division set to begin on Monday, April 9, Bortu is expected to make his debut for Mjolner on Sunday, April 15 when they host Alta in their first league match of the season.

Featured photo courtesy of Dauda Bortu