Club confirms switch to Djurgarden IF
ALBION confirm the end of an era at The Hawthorns after agreeing to allow Jonas Olsson to return to Swedish football.
The 34-year-old defender, affectionately known as “Swede” by his team mates, leaves after a nine-year stay to take up a new start with top-flight Swedish side Djurgården IF.
Albion and Olsson mutually agreed to terminate the remaining months of his contract in order he join his new Stockholm-based club in time for the start of the Swedish season in ten days.
But the news will be greeted with sadness by Baggies fans everywhere who have watched Olsson play an integral role in transforming Albion from a ‘yo-yo’ club into one currently eighth in this their seventh consecutive Premier League campaign.
Olsson’s Hawthorns statistics give an indication of his immense contribution following his signing from Dutch side NEC in 2008 – a total of 253 appearances, eight as a substitute, and 14 goals.
In the Premier League, Olsson made 194 starts and scored eight goals.
Although his first season at the club ended in relegation from the Premier League, he then helped the team gain immediate promotion the following season since when he has been a constant figure in Albion’s sustained top-flight presence.
"It's all happened so quickly I've not had chance to say a proper farewell to so many people," said Jonas.
"I will be back at the first chance to do that. But I'm really grateful to the club for helping me sort out this transfer.
"I still feel I have a few good years in me but such is the quality of the competition at Albion for places in my position, it was getting harder and harder to see a first team opportunity.
"Albion has been and will always be a huge part of my life and it is great to feel I am leaving it in such a strong position."
Keep an eye out for Jonas' farewell message to Baggies fans.