Swedish prize Guldbollen has got far more interesting now that Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn’t at his peak.
With the superstar being named the Swedish Footballer of the Year 12 times, there was no real chance for other players.
But it changed last year, when Andreas Granqvist ended the dynasty. And now in 2018, it’s Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof who has won it.
Lindelof has spoken to local outlet Aftonbladet in a big interview after getting the prize, and had a lot to say about his experience at Manchester United so far.
Aftonbladet’s first question about his time at Old Trafford was about the nickname ‘Lindeflop’, which was given by Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport last week.
“I am very aware of what career, what story I am writing. I’m just going to show who I am as a player, and as I sit there, old and grey, I can say to all who think that (Lindeflop) – good luck, but I’ve written my own story – here I am.
“When I arrived at United, I knew it would be a huge challenge, but I felt ‘I can do this’. It was tougher at first, and at this level one has to deliver from the beginning. But I’m very calm, I’m not stressing. It gives me a sense of security. I do not worry, I know what I can do on the football pitch. I know this is what I’m going to do in life.”
Lindelof was also asked to explain the difference between Benfica and Manchester United: “Benfica is, as you say, an incredibly big club, but United is the world’s largest club. They have supporters all over the world. It’s all around, the advertising and the demands, you should always win. It’s all around, which is the big difference. Everything is on a completely different level. Benfica is Portugal, United is the world.”
The defender spoke about his relationship with José Mourinho. He’s revealed that the two speak in Portuguese, and has praised the boss a lot.
“He has been very good at almost everything. He gives me tips on how to think, how to evaluate situations and gives me… what’s in Swedish: confidence?
“Ever since I came, he told me to do my thing, that’s why I’m here. It’s been good, but I know I can do more. Especially when we have the ball, I want to show even more what I can do, because people have only seen fifty percent of what I can do. Mourinho pushes me to believe in myself.”
