Nicki Bille Nielsen
Encyclopedia
Nicki Bille Nielsen is a Danish
footballer who plays as a forward for Elche
in the Spanish second division
, on loan from Villarreal CF
. He has played 26 games for various Danish national youth teams, including 21 games and 15 goals for the Denmark national under-21 football team
. He is selected for the U21 National Team, which is representing Denmark in the European Under-21 Football Championship in Denmark, June 2011.
He is the cousin of fellow footballer Daniel Wass
.
club BK Frem. He was promoted to the first team squad in the summer 2005, and made his debut on 31 July 2005 against Fremad Amager. He signed a two-year contract with Frem in October 2005, and was on trial with English
club Newcastle United in November 2005, and also had a trial with Portsmouth F.C.
. Though he never secured himself in the Frem starting line-up, Bille played a total 38 senior games and scored four goals for the club until August 2006.
In September 2006, he moved abroad to play for Italian
club Reggina Calcio
in the Serie A
championship, under manager Walter Mazzarri
. He scored in his debut game for Reggina, a Coppa Italia
game on 8 November. He got his Serie A debut on 19 November, and played seven games during the 2006–07 Serie A season without scoring any goals. He also played for Reggina's youth team, helping them advance in the 2007 Campionato Nazionale Primavera by scoring two goals in two games against A.C. Milan Primavera
. Under new manager Massimo Ficcadenti
, Bille had a difficult time securing a place in the starting eleven, and he underwent loan deals with Serie C1
teams A.C. Martina
and A.S. Lucchese-Libertas
. Both clubs went bankrupt during his stays, and according to his agent Bille did not get his wage from Reggina either. In August 2008, Bille agreed to rescind all claims of the wages owed to him, in order for his contract to be terminated a year before its expiration. He brought with him an eight match-day suspension incurred following a red card
for laying his hand on the referee in a May 2008 youth team game for Lucchese.
He moved back to Denmark, and trained with Danish Superliga
team FC Nordsjælland
in August 2008. On 18 September the Danish Football Association
ruled that in order to help him re-establish his career, Bille's eight-day suspension would expire from the ninth match day of the 2008–09 Danish Superliga season even though he had not been signed by any club, making him available for selection from the start of October. He signed a contract with Nordsjælland on 25 September, and made his debut in October. He played 10 games in his first season with Nordsjælland, as he was backup for Martin Bernburg
. As Bernburg was sold, Bille got his breakthrough in the 2009–10 Danish Superliga
season, when he played 32 of 33 games and scored eight goals. He was also a part of the Nordsjælland team which won the 2010 Danish Cup
.
Nicki Bille gained his first team debut 5 February 2011 in a home fixture against Levante FC, Villarreal CF lost the game 0–1
in August, as a replacement for the injured Nicklas Pedersen
, and scored one goal in two games at the tournament. From September 2006 to June 2007, he scored three goals in nine games for the Danish under-19 national team
. He was once more a part of the under-20 squad at the 2007 Milk Cup, scoring one goal in three games.
After his loan move to Martina, he was called up for the Denmark national under-21 football team
to replace the injured Bo Storm
, and made his under-21 debut in September 2007. He was not called up again before he moved to FC Nordsjælland. In November 2008, Bille played his sixth and last under-20 international game. He rejoined the under-21 team in January 2009, and established himself in the team. In May 2010, he joined the under-21 team for a series of unofficial games at the international 2010 Toulon Tournament
. He scored five goals in four appearances, becoming the top scorer of the tournament and helping Denmark finish runners-up.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
footballer who plays as a forward for Elche
Elche CF
Elche Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Elche, Alicante, in the Valencian Community. Founded in 1923, it currently plays in the Spanish second division, holding home matches at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, with a capacity of 38,750 seats.-Recent seasons:-Season to...
in the Spanish second division
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
, on loan from Villarreal CF
Villarreal CF
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community...
. He has played 26 games for various Danish national youth teams, including 21 games and 15 goals for the Denmark national under-21 football team
Denmark national under-21 football team
The Denmark national under-21 football team has played since 1976 and is controlled by the Danish Football Association. Before 1976, the age limit was 23 years.-U-21 European Championship:*1978 – Quarterfinals*1980 to 1984 – Did not qualify...
. He is selected for the U21 National Team, which is representing Denmark in the European Under-21 Football Championship in Denmark, June 2011.
He is the cousin of fellow footballer Daniel Wass
Daniel Wass
Daniel Wass is a Danish football player who plays for French side Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C. on loan from Benfica. His natural role is as right defender, but Wass has also been used as right winger.-Youth career:...
.
Club career
Bille Nielsen started his senior career with Danish 1st DivisionDanish 1st Division
The 1st Division has been the name of the second highest football league in Denmark since 1991. From 1945 to 1991 the 1st Division was the name of the highest level of football in Denmark...
club BK Frem. He was promoted to the first team squad in the summer 2005, and made his debut on 31 July 2005 against Fremad Amager. He signed a two-year contract with Frem in October 2005, and was on trial with English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
club Newcastle United in November 2005, and also had a trial with Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
. Though he never secured himself in the Frem starting line-up, Bille played a total 38 senior games and scored four goals for the club until August 2006.
In September 2006, he moved abroad to play for Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
club Reggina Calcio
Reggina Calcio
Reggina Calcio are an Italian association football club, the main club of the city of Reggio Calabria. Founded in 1914, they currently play in the Italian Serie B, and play their home matches at the 27,763 seater Stadio Oreste Granillo...
in the Serie A
Serie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
championship, under manager Walter Mazzarri
Walter Mazzarri
Walter Mazzarri is a retired Italian footballer and the current manager of S.S.C. Napoli.-Playing career:Mazzarri, a midfielder and a product of Fiorentina's youth system, made his professional debut in 1981 for Pescara of Serie B, and played a short Serie A stint in Cagliari the following season,...
. He scored in his debut game for Reggina, a Coppa Italia
Coppa Italia
The Coppa Italia is an Italian football annual cup competition. Its first edition was held in 1922, but the second champions were not crowned until 1936. Roma and Juventus lead the way with nine wins. Roma has contested more finals, 16, while Torino and Juventus follow with 13...
game on 8 November. He got his Serie A debut on 19 November, and played seven games during the 2006–07 Serie A season without scoring any goals. He also played for Reggina's youth team, helping them advance in the 2007 Campionato Nazionale Primavera by scoring two goals in two games against A.C. Milan Primavera
A.C. Milan Primavera
Associazione Calcio Milan Primavera are the under-20 team of Italian professional football club Associazione Calcio Milan. They play in the Group B of the Campionato Nazionale Primavera. They have been champions only once, back in 1965...
. Under new manager Massimo Ficcadenti
Massimo Ficcadenti
Massimo Ficcadenti is an Italian football manager and former midfielder.-Playing:Ficcadenti started his playing career with Sambenedettese, where he played from 1985 to 1989. He then signed for Messina, playing for the Sicilian side for a total of three seasons before to join Verona in 1992...
, Bille had a difficult time securing a place in the starting eleven, and he underwent loan deals with Serie C1
Serie C1
Lega Pro Prima Divisione is the name of the third highest football league in Italy. It consists of 36 teams, divided geographically into two divisions of 18 teams each. Until 2008 it was known as Serie C1....
teams A.C. Martina
A.C. Martina
A.S.D. Martina Franca is an Italian association football club, based in Martina Franca, Apulia. The team's colors are blue and white. In the season 2011-12 it plays in Serie D.- History :...
and A.S. Lucchese-Libertas
A.S. Lucchese-Libertas
Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica Football Club Lucca 2011 is an Italian football club, based in Lucca, Tuscany that currently plays in Eccellenza Tuscany.The club was founded in 1905 and having last been in Serie A in 1952....
. Both clubs went bankrupt during his stays, and according to his agent Bille did not get his wage from Reggina either. In August 2008, Bille agreed to rescind all claims of the wages owed to him, in order for his contract to be terminated a year before its expiration. He brought with him an eight match-day suspension incurred following a red card
Red card
Red card may refer to:* A penalty card that is shown in many sports after a rules infraction* A suit of hearts or diamonds* Red Card , 1976 release by Streetwalkers* RedCard 20-03, 2002 extreme football video game...
for laying his hand on the referee in a May 2008 youth team game for Lucchese.
He moved back to Denmark, and trained with Danish Superliga
Danish Superliga
The Danish Superliga is the current Danish football championship tournament, and administered by the Danish Football Association. It is the highest association football league in Denmark and is currently contested by 12 teams each year, with 2 teams to be relegated, which proves to be one of the...
team FC Nordsjælland
FC Nordsjælland
Football Club Nordsjælland is a professional Danish football team from the North Zealand town of Farum, Denmark. Founded as Farum Boldklub from the merger of the town's two football clubs Farum IK and Stavnsholt BK in 1991, the club changed its name to F.C...
in August 2008. On 18 September the Danish Football Association
Danish Football Association
The Danish Football Association is the governing body of football in Denmark. It is the organization of the Danish football clubs and runs the professional Danish football leagues and the men's and women's national teams. It is based in the city of Brøndby and is a founding member of both FIFA...
ruled that in order to help him re-establish his career, Bille's eight-day suspension would expire from the ninth match day of the 2008–09 Danish Superliga season even though he had not been signed by any club, making him available for selection from the start of October. He signed a contract with Nordsjælland on 25 September, and made his debut in October. He played 10 games in his first season with Nordsjælland, as he was backup for Martin Bernburg
Martin Bernburg
Martin Løfqvist Bernburg is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a striker for Brøndby IF in the Danish Superliga and the Danish national team.-F.C. Copenhagen:...
. As Bernburg was sold, Bille got his breakthrough in the 2009–10 Danish Superliga
2009–10 Danish Superliga
The 2009–10 Danish Superliga season was the 20th season of the Danish Superliga league championship, which determinates the winners of the Danish football championship. It is governed by the Danish Football Association. The tournament started on 18 July 2009 and concluded on 16 May 2010.The Danish...
season, when he played 32 of 33 games and scored eight goals. He was also a part of the Nordsjælland team which won the 2010 Danish Cup
Danish Cup
The Danish Cup is the official "knockout" cup competition in Danish football, run by the Danish Football Association. The cup has been contested annually since 1955...
.
Nicki Bille gained his first team debut 5 February 2011 in a home fixture against Levante FC, Villarreal CF lost the game 0–1
International career
Bille got his international debut for the Denmark national under-18 football team in September 2005, and played four games for the team until February 2006. He was called up for the Danish under-20 national team squad for the 2006 Milk CupMilk Cup
The Milk Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Northern Ireland. The cup matches are mainly played in the North Coast area of Northern Ireland, with matches taking place in the towns of Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena and...
in August, as a replacement for the injured Nicklas Pedersen
Nicklas Pedersen
Nicklas Pedersen is a Danish professional football striker, who currently plays for Dutch Eredivisie side FC Groningen....
, and scored one goal in two games at the tournament. From September 2006 to June 2007, he scored three goals in nine games for the Danish under-19 national team
Denmark national under-19 football team
The Denmark national under-19 football team was founded in 1950 as a under-18 team. In 2001, it was changed to a under-19 team.-Competitive record:...
. He was once more a part of the under-20 squad at the 2007 Milk Cup, scoring one goal in three games.
After his loan move to Martina, he was called up for the Denmark national under-21 football team
Denmark national under-21 football team
The Denmark national under-21 football team has played since 1976 and is controlled by the Danish Football Association. Before 1976, the age limit was 23 years.-U-21 European Championship:*1978 – Quarterfinals*1980 to 1984 – Did not qualify...
to replace the injured Bo Storm
Bo Storm
Bo Storm is a Danish footballer currently playing for Danish Superliga club HB Køge.He has played several games for the Danish youth national teams . Storm played youth football with AGF Aarhus, but began his career in a small town club called Odder...
, and made his under-21 debut in September 2007. He was not called up again before he moved to FC Nordsjælland. In November 2008, Bille played his sixth and last under-20 international game. He rejoined the under-21 team in January 2009, and established himself in the team. In May 2010, he joined the under-21 team for a series of unofficial games at the international 2010 Toulon Tournament
2010 Toulon Tournament
The 2010 Toulon Tournament was the 38th edition of the Toulon Tournament and began on 18 May and ended on 27 May 2010. Chile were the defending champions.-Venues:The matches were played in these communes:*Aubagne*Hyères*La Seyne*Le Lavandou*Nice*Toulon...
. He scored five goals in four appearances, becoming the top scorer of the tournament and helping Denmark finish runners-up.