Jensen returns with UEFA Cup opponents FC Copnhagen - the club Kevin Keegan recruited him from to form part of the swashbuckling Blues side that swept into the Premier League on a wave of goals and attacking play.
The Dane’s 30-yard volley against Leeds was a highlight of his stay before moving on to Borussia Dortmund, despite his own modest recollection of a goal still celebrated in Blues circles as being among the best of recent years.
He said: “My goal? Well, being a defender there were not too many to pick from. It was at Maine Road against Leeds, I think it was. Thirty yards out? It wasn’t that far, was it? But it was a volley, so it was quite good.
“It feels good to be back. City are a great club, and the fans were always beautiful. They were good to me. The atmosphere at Maine Road was really great, with the crowd behind us. They were great times for me.
“Playing for Kevin Keegan was exciting. I enjoyed my life and my football. The emphasis was always on playing good football, that was our style. We went into every game with the idea of entertaining and scoring goals. That was nice.”
While Niclas, now 34, has gone full circle by returning to FC Copenhagen, times have changed dramatically for City - and he urges the fans to be patient as the club comes to terms with life under the wealthy new owners.
He said: “I was as surprised as everybody else by the takeover. Quite a lot has happened in the years since I left here and it will be very interesting to see what happens now.
“The financial side is there now. But you don’t want to rush things, you must take it step by step. You have to try and stay calm, take a few years to pick the way you want to go and get things right.
“Then in two or three years’ time you can be up at the top with the Arsenals, Manchester Uniteds and Chelseas. With the money coming in, people will expect everything to happen fast, but it is important to take it easy and carefully.”
