He arrived as an unknown and is about to leave as a legend.
Viktor Johansson could wear a Rotherham United shirt for the final time on Saturday, when the team hosts Cardiff City in the Championship.
The Swede, probably the greatest goalie in the division and undoubtedly one of the most popular Millers players of recent years, is likely to leave in the summer, when a slew of suitors will line up to take advantage of a release clause in his contract.
Midfielder Ollie Rathbone hopes fans give the 25-year-old international a similar AESSEAL New York Stadium send-off as they afforded another famous figure, Richard Wood, last season.
He stated, “It’s been an honor to play alongside Viktor, to call him a teammate; not only because of his effort on the field, but also because of how he conducts himself off it.
“He’s always smiling, he’s a great guy, and he’s been outstanding this season. “He’s an incredible shot-stopper.”
Twelve months ago, supporters brought captain Wood to tears with their heartfelt applause as he stood in front of the North Stand following the final whistle of a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.
“Viktor deserves a ‘Woody’ moment,” Rathbone explained.
Johansson was an untested talent when Rotherham offered him a fresh start in 2020, following his departure from Leicester City.
He went on to win a League One promotion, the Papa John’s Trophy, Player of the Year in a Championship-winning season, and his first cap for his country.
Not only that, but he has captured supporters’ hearts with the quality of his performances, his fearlessness, his love for the club, and his endearing personality.
Rathbone believes the keeper, who will be chosen Player of the Year again this season, would fit very well in the Premier League or any of Europe’s top leagues.
“Viktor is wonderful and I want him to go on and achieve everything that I know he can do,” he went on to say.
“He’ll go down as a Rotherham legend and he deserves to because his standards have been impeccable.”
Rathbone is anxious to complete his relegation struggle with a victory over the mid-table Bluebirds.
“We’re doing it for ourselves and the supporters,” he told reporters. “The supporters have remained with us all season and deserve a lot of credit. It’s remarkable how many people have traveled to games. We sincerely appreciate them.
The Millers are also doing it for a specific player.
“I hope Viktor believes in it as much as the rest of us do,” Rathbone was quoted as saying. “He’s going to go all the way to the top.”
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