A ROTHERHAM star is making an incredible gesture for his club’s long-suffering fans ahead of their final league game.
However, goalkeeper Viktor Johansson insists that “it’s not goodbye, it’s a thank you”, despite “seven or eight big clubs” pursuing his signature.
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The 25-year-old Swedish international arrived at the New York Stadium in 2020 from Leicester and helped them to promotion from League One and EFL Trophy success in 2022.
Johansson helped Rotherham survive in the second division last season, but despite some impressive displays this season, this time he was unable to keep the Millers top of the Championship.
Now a number of teams are planning a summer swoop for the former Aston Villa trainee due to his relegation release clause, which makes him available for just a bargain £1m.
Tomorrow’s home clash with Cardiff City could be his last appearance for the club, and he is determined to show his appreciation to the team’s fans.
He announced on social media that he will pay the first 600 fans who walk through the doors of a local brewery to have a beer with him before the match.
The Cutlers Arms has become a favorite of his father Tobias whenever he comes from Sweden to watch him play and will open at 9am on Saturday.
And each beer will come with a special message and a card with the requested cork.
Rotherham boss Steve Evans joked: “I think if Viktor is putting money behind the bar I’ll be there myself!
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“Viktor has been a wonderful goalkeeper for the club. Everyone is aware of the enormous interest in it.
“I’m getting calls from managers who want my opinion on what he’s like behind the scenes. They don’t ask what he’s like between sticks. They see it for themselves.
“Whether he will be with us next season remains to be seen, but at the moment I am planning with him. He hasn’t gone anywhere yet.
“Viktor is a first-class talent. I’ve sat in the stands and watched him and he’s been wonderful.
“Most importantly, he’s a really good guy off the field. He is very professional.
“He’s also very humble, which is different to how you sometimes find players in the league who have aspirations.”
Sheffield United, Stoke City and Leeds United are all linked with an interest in Johansson.
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And Evans seems resigned to losing him.
He added: “He has been incredible since I arrived, but I have also watched him on many occasions before. He is first class on the field and off it too.
“But we live in the real world and there are seven or eight big clubs in the Championship all looking at him.
“If he continues on this journey, we wish him every success. We love him here.
“I was lucky to have [Emiliano] Martinez in goal before and Johansson in goal. I had two top goalkeepers and it will be difficult to replace someone with that quality.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
