ANTONSSON DELIGHTED WITH UNITED MOVE

FREEVIEW: GARRY MONK ON SIGNING ANTONSSON 28.6.16

First interview with United's newest recruit...

Despite originating from what he describes as "a little village" that’s "out in the forest" in the Swedish locality of Unnaryd, new signing Marcus Antonsson says he has made a large number of local United fans happy after his move to Elland Road was confirmed.

The 25-year-old striker finalised his switch from homeland side Kalmar FF on Tuesday, signing a three-year deal to become the club’s first summer arrival, and Antonsson, the Allsvenskan’s top scorer this season with 10 goals from his first 12 matches, is already well aware of United’s global appeal.

“Where I come from in Sweden, it’s out in the forest a little bit and maybe one or two thousand people live there,” the forward explained. “But a lot of them are Leeds fans!

“It’s a place called Unnaryd, it’s located in the forest a little bit – a little village. A lot of people out there are happy for this transfer!

“I knew a little bit about the club already but I know a lot more now that I’m here.

“One of the things that I felt when I came here was that Leeds United belongs in the Premier League - no question about that.

“The feeling I got when I first came here was that there’s something going on here - we’re looking to the Premier League. I’m looking forward to being part of that trip.”

Antonsson began his career locally with Unnaryds GolF before joining Halmstads BK, where he was managed by United’s new assistant coach Pep Clotet.

After five years with Halmstads, which brought 11 goals from 71 league matches, he made the switch to Kalmar early last year and enjoyed a prolific spell in front of goal.

The striker admits, however, that playing English football has always been one of his main ambitions and that there was no hesitation once United came calling.

“It feels very good, it’s a dream come true,” he said. “I always dreamed about playing in England and coming to a big club like Leeds is a big dream for me.

“I don’t know exactly the time when I first heard about the move but it was pretty early after the season (finished).

“From the first moment when Leeds contacted me, it was not a hard decision, especially after I had visited the club and seen how big it is.”

Asked about his characteristics as a striker, Antonsson replied: “My big strength is that I’m a goalscorer. I have good timing running in behind and I’m pretty fast as well.

“That’s a short description of me but I’m also a team player – I work very hard for the team.

“I always think that if I work hard, the chances will come. Hopefully it will continue that way in Leeds.

“I think it’s going to be little bit harder here than in Sweden, of course. But I know that the manager and the team here have scouted me and know what my strengths are.

“They’ve told me that I’m going to fit in perfectly and I think so as well. I think I’m pretty easy to play with for my team-mates.”

Asked if he can play as part of a front two, the forward said: “I think so. I like to play up front with someone but I can play by myself as well.

“I think you can have a lot of advantages if you play with someone that you connect with.

“As I’ve said before, I think I’m pretty easy to play with. I always go on deep runs in behind and I do a lot of running in games.”

Prior to making the switch to West Yorkshire, Antonsson’s form in the Allsvenskan had led to suggestions of a call-up to the Swedish national team, something which he still hopes to achieve with United.

“I’ve been talking a little bit (to the national team) and my name has come up,” he said. “I was the top scorer in Sweden before I left.

“If I continue to score goals then the national team could be the next step. If I can score goals here in Leeds, hopefully that opportunity will open up.”

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