After embarking on one of the most successful campaigns in Rotherham United’s history, it is fair to say the class of 2021/22 had more than earned themselves some time to recharge the batteries.
For Viktor Johansson, this was no different. The popular goalkeeper – affectionately dubbed The Viking by supporters – returned to his native Sweden to spend time with friends and family, after playing a huge part in a season which saw the Millers land promotion and the Papa Johns Trophy.
Now, having returned for pre-season on Thursday, the 23-year-old is relishing his third campaign at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“I’ve had a lovely break, it was nice to get back to Sweden and see some familiar faces, Johansson told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Family and friends are important for me, so to get the opportunity to see them all again has been great.
“It was a well needed break, I had some time on the golf course over there, as well as playing other sports and keeping up with my gym work.
“It was good to go there with the world a little more ‘normal’ with Sweden opening up again following covid.
"I was able to visit who I wanted and go where I want which wasn’t the case the last few times I’d been up. I feel recharged now and ready to go.”
Paul Warne’s men will step up their pre-season preparations on Friday, when the first team take on our friends from Parkgate at Roundwood for the opening friendly, before jetting off to Croatia for a week-long overseas training camp.
Having travelled with the Millers to Hungary ahead of the previous campaign, Johansson understands the importance of building foundations ahead of a long and demanding season, as the team look ahead to another shot at England’s second tier.
“Everyone wants to do well this year, we’ve been working hard since we came back in and the focus is on that first pre-season game with Parkgate.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out on the grass and I’m sure the rest of the lads are too, it was a great occasion last year with our fans there and I’m sure it will be again."
“Croatia will be tough, that is for sure. I know what to expect this time after going to Hungary last year, but it’ll be good to get away.
“It presents a great bonding opportunity for the rest of the lads, especially some of the new ones who we’ll get closer to while we’re out there. Everyone is looking forward to it."
“The relegation hit us hard last year, as we thought we were a little unlucky to get relegated. I’m sure that the boys won’t want to have that feeling again.
“Of course, we all want to test ourselves as high up as we can and playing in the Championship again is a very exciting prospect for all of us.
“We know we can compete at this level and we know we have what it takes to get over the line this time. Now it is about showing that.”