After spending most part of his career in Sweden, Marcus Antonsson decided to try his luck in England when Leeds United came calling in 2016.
After signing a three-year deal with the Whites, the striker enjoyed a decent start to his Leeds career, scoring three goals in his first three months, back when Garry Monk was in charge at Elland Road.
With Chris Wood in fine form [27 goals and four assists in the Championship] that campaign, Antonsson was left out by Monk in the second half of that season.
Andrea Radrizzani took full control of the English club in May 2017, but unfortunately, the change of guard at Leeds didn’t bring positive news for Antonsson.
He was allowed to join Blackburn Rovers on loan that summer before being sold to Malmö FF in 2018.
The former Leeds player is currently on loan at Halmstads BK and Swedish newspaper Hallandsposten asked him to give his take on his time in England.
“It was very exciting. In terms of football, it is an incredible interest and no matter where you go, the team has fanatical supporters – there will be an incredible atmosphere. Football is different – it is very intense and physical,” he said.
“In England, you were treated like a star when you met people – it’s simply great to be a football player there. We enjoyed ourselves very much privately in Leeds and Manchester, which are big cities with a very high pulse. A fun adventure!”
When asked to describe his ‘biggest horror story’ from his time in England, Antonsson said: “The way I was frozen out when Leeds changed owners. I was not allowed to stay in the same room as the other senior team players – this despite the fact that we did not have a coach. It was the sports director and the new owner who wanted to build a new team.”
Antonsson made 21 appearances for Leeds in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist in the process.
