Stoke City favourite named player of the season ahead of final home game..
Congratulations to Viktor Johansson, who has a message for Stoke City supporters after being crowned player of the year.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who signed from Rotherham United last May, is understood to be the runaway winner of the supporters’ vote for the club’s official award.
He has kept 14 clean sheets so far, with two matches remaining to secure the Potters’ place in the Championship, including this evening’s final home match of term against Sheffield United (8pm).
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Johansson has also risen to become Sweden number one over the last few months, playing in seven of their eight international fixtures in 2024/25.
But in his message to fans after receiving the award, he said his thank yous before focusing on the work still to do.
“I just wanted to thank all of you supporters for voting me the player of the season,” he said. “I want to thank all the coaching staff, all the players and especially the goalkeeping group for working so closely with me and making me a better goalkeeper.
“We’ve got another massive game against Sheffield United so I can’t wait to see you there.”
Viktor Johansson sends ‘brilliant’ Stoke City message as Viktor Gyökeres gets in on the act.
Latest Stoke City news from StokeontrentLive as player of the season responds to survival by hinting at long-term future..
Viktor Johansson has hinted he will be back at Stoke City next season despite a torrid first campaign for the Potters.
The Sweden international goalkeeper arrived from relegated Rotherham last summer and won over fans with a series of impressive performances that were key to Stoke retaining their Championship status.
But on concluding a difficult season, Johansson took to Instagram to thank supporters for their backing – and suggest that he might be sticking around at the bet365 Stadium despite being one of the club’s most marketable players.
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After pulling off a couple of outstanding saves in Saturday’s key 0-0 draw at Derby County, Johansson posted: “I just want to say a massive thank you to all the Stoke fans for supporting me and my team-mates this season.
You have been with us home and away through all the ups and downs. It’s so appreciated, you have no idea. Time to rest and catch up with family. See you all next season…”
Not only did his message spark a jokey response form team-mate Lynden Gooch, it also prompted a heart emoji from Sweden team-mate Viktor Gyökeres, the £60m-rated Sporting Lisbon striker courting interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
On his first season at Stoke, Johansson told the club website: “It’s been brilliant. I’ve been made to feel so welcome by both the supporters and the players. It’s a bit weird saying it, but it’s been like a fresh start for me.
“As a group, we’re so tight. And I think this season made us even tighter. It’s a proper family feeling, and you can sense it around the club as well.
“I can’t wait for next season to start and and to get going again to prove what what a good team we are.”
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