<
>

Nantes striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson aims to build on Euro 2016 heroics

Iceland international striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has said he is ready to stay at Nantes as he targets a better campaign in Ligue 1 this season.

Sigthorsson, 26, had a difficult first year in France and scored only three league goals in 26 matches.

But he netted twice in five games for his country at Euro 2016 in France, including the winning goal against England in the round of 16.

The former Ajax forward is now hoping he can flourish under new Nantes boss Rene Girard.

"The situation is that it's very probable that I'll stay at Nantes," he told the club's official website. "I've prepared myself, and I'm ready to play for Nantes.

"I'm very happy about that and I'm keen for the season to start... I like the ideas of the coach, and I like working with him."

He said his performances at Euro 2016 could have changed the way he is perceived in France but added: "Now I have to perform with Nantes in Ligue 1 as well.

"I gained confidence at the Euros, and I want to follow that up with Nantes."

Sigthorsson's first game this term could come at home to Monaco on Saturday, and he wants to put last season's troubles behind him.

"I battled with injuries," he said. "But I had a good preparation before the Euros, and everything seemed to go better with the national team.

"Last season didn't go as I wanted. I hope it will go better from now on."