Mathias Normann has no regrets at his ill-fated Premier League spell with Norwich City.

The former Norwegian international, who opted for a controversial return to club football in Russia at Dynamo Moscow after his Carrow Road exit, made 25 appearances during an injury-hit spell for the Canaries on loan from FC Rostov.

City’s top flight relegation ended any hopes of a permanent deal, and Normann is one of the few foreign stars to remain in Russian domestic football following the invasion of Ukraine.

That stance ended his international career with Norway, while a proposed move last summer to Italian side Lecce fell through.

“There really were options in Europe, but only Dynamo came up with a specific and clear proposal that suited me,” he said. “For me, Moscow, Norway, England are places where I can play. And football is football, and it is the same everywhere. So I don't see a problem with that.

"To be completely honest, from the moment I arrived in Russia, I have always liked Moscow. I wanted to try playing in the capital. And, of course, I'm happy here.

“Of course, I considered and calculated all the nuances. But, as I already told you, Moscow and the opportunity to play in it have always been in my head. And when the offer from Dynamo appeared, I didn’t even think about saying no. This is the best thing that could happen to me.”

Normann declined to comment on the political situation, or his exile from the Norwegian international set up, in a wide-ranging interview with Russian newspaper, Sport-Express.

But the 26-year-old midfielder did open up on his brief stint in the Premier League at Norwich, which was hindered by a pelvic problem that eventually required surgery.

Normann returned for the run in last season but was unable to help keep Dean Smith’s squad up.

“I think I had a very good half season there,” he said. “Yes, there was an injury and surgery, but in the last 15 matches I was in full readiness. Circumstances at that time were difficult, we lost a lot and were under a lot of pressure. But I learned a lot and I'm still very glad that I decided to go there.

"For me, as a player, it is extremely important to test myself at the highest level, and that only happens in club football. When I am healthy and ready, I can meet this level.

“I played against very good players and teams and my time at Norwich has given me a lot. Now, hopefully, I understand the game better than before.

"This is a good league. Yes, some of the leading foreigners have left, and some teams have weakened because of this. But there are still many worthy players here, and the league is quite competitive.”

Normann was part of a Norwich side hammered 7-0 at Chelsea and 4-0 at home to Manchester City.

“When the ‘Citizens’ control the ball, your eyes run around, you turn your head in all directions - but it's all pointless,” he said. “We tried to block their space, but you can't tell who you played against, because they all constantly changed places. And they were everywhere.

“And, of course, Chelsea, whom we lost at Stamford Bridge. I understand that it will be funny for you to hear this but I played a good match against the Blues, and I am completely convinced of this. But 7-0.

"The coach in the locker room could not find words. We were also stunned. The atmosphere in the locker room after that match was definitely not good.”