Mattias Svanberg’s performances for Bologna have not gone unnoticed in Italy and across Europe.
Operating in the middle of the pitch, the Sweden international has three goals and two assists from 28 league matches this season. Recent reports have stated Manchester City are among clubs following the former Malmö FF man.
Janne Andersson has included the 23-year-old in the national squad for the World Cup qualifiers. He came off the bench in his country’s 1-0 win over Czech Republic and they’re set to face Poland later today.
Ahead of the clash against Poland, Fotbollskanalen were given an opportunity to have a chat with the player, where the focus of the discussion were on reports linking him to clubs like Manchester City, and his future at Bologna.
When pressed how he views the reports of City, Inter Milan and AC Milan following him, Svanberg said: “I don’t think about it much. It’s been like that for me during my career. It’s no wonder it’s written when you do pretty well in Italy. But it’s more fun to write about such teams than if ten other clubs are also watching someone.
“I always think that I want to be in a place where I can play. I have realised this in the meantime abroad. It does a lot with how you feel, mentally and so on. It is important that the club believes in you, wants you and plays you. So, it’s a priority. Then there are other factors as well, but that is most important.”
The player’s contract with the Serie A side expires in 2023, but the Swede has refused to confirm he is staying at Bologna beyond this current deal.
“As things stand right now, I don’t have a plan. I feel very comfortable at Bologna. I have a year left and I am in no hurry. I’ll take it as it comes. What happens… it depends, and it’s about performance. We haven’t started a negotiation. We’ll see what happens,” he explained.
“Yes of course [Bologna putting pressure on him]. But that’s how it works. If I had sat in their chairs, I would have done the same. It’s part of the game off the field. I do not take it badly but see it more as positive that the club wants to extend.”
