Ronny Johnsen

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Jean Ronny Johnsen (born June 10, 1969 in Sandefjord) is a Norwegian football player.

Johnsen plays as a centre back or central midfielder, but has often been sidelined because of his many injuries. He was purchased by Manchester United from Beşiktaş of Turkey in 1996. While at United, he helped the club to 4 league titles (1997, 1999, 2000, and 2001), and one FA Cup in 1999. He also contributed enormously to United's UEFA Champions League win in 1999, and covered the central midfield position in United's away win over Juventus in the semi-final in a game that is considered by many to be the best of his career. He also played the whole of the final in Barcelona, this time in defence, alongside Jaap Stam. He has the rare distinction of also winning four medals in four consecutive appearances with the club. He was on the pitch for the title clincher, FA Cup final, and Champions League final in 1999, and because of injury, the 2000 league title clincher against Tottenham Hotspur. While at United, he scored 8 goals in all competitions.

In 2002, Johnsen and fellow Norwegian international Øyvind Leonhardsen had a trial at German side Schalke 04. After that move fell through, Johnsen signed with Aston Villa. Prior to Beşiktaş, his career took him to Stokke, Eik-Tønsberg, Lyn Oslo, and Lillestrøm. After leaving Aston Villa, Johnsen signed for Newcastle United but only played a handful of games before being released with concerns over his fitness levels.

Johnsen was part of the Norwegian national team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and has capped 61 times for his country.

In February 2005, Johnsen announced his retirement from professional football. Shortly after he changed his mind, signing a one-year contract with the Norwegian club Vålerenga. He has renewed this contract for the 2006 and recently also the 2007 season, and again for the 2008 season.

On 22 August 2007, he had a remarkable comeback on the Norwegian national football team, playing the whole match home against Argentina. Norway won the game 2-1. National coach Åge Hareide has opened for more appearances by Johnsen in the nearest future.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Career as a football player

(Last updated on May 3, 2007)

Period	Club	Caps	Goals
?	Stokke	?	?
?-1991	Eik-Tønsberg	?	?
1992-1993	Lyn	31	7
1994-1995	Lillestrøm	23	4
1995-1996	Beşiktaş	22	1
1996-2002	Manchester United	99	7
2002-2004	Aston Villa	49	1
2004	Newcastle	3	0
2005-	Vålerenga	45	4

v • d • e Norway squad - 1998 FIFA World Cup 1 Grodås • 2 Halle • 3 Johnsen • 4 Berg • 5 Bjørnebye • 6 Solbakken • 7 Mykland • 8 Leonhardsen • 9 T. Flo • 10 Rekdal • 11 Jakobsen • 12 Myhre • 13 Baardsen • 14 Heggem • 15 Eggen • 16 J. Flo • 17 H. Flo • 18 Østenstad • 19 Hoftun • 20 Solskjær • 21 Riseth • 22 Strand • Coach: Olsen