Late on Friday whilst most West Bromwich Albion fans had eyes on the upcoming clash with Huddersfield Town on Sunday, or they were mulling the departure of Under 23 gaffer Michael Appleton who accepted the overtures of Lincoln City. One other piece of news from the day caught some traction though, and that was the retirement of Baggies stalwart, Jonas Olsson.
Congratulations on a fantastic career, @J_OlssonViasat 👏🏼
Thank you for the memories!#WBA pic.twitter.com/gZfme3faKq
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) September 20, 2019
Having headed into the club back in August 2008 from NEC Nijmegen, it’s not unfair to say that the now 36-year-old established himself as a clear fan favourite and legend for his commitment on the pitch. With an almost decade stay at The Hawthorns, his £800,000 price tag was a complete snip and when he finally departed in 2017, he had made 253 starting appearances for us, with a further eight showings from the bench. Across those games he also chipped in with 14 goals and plenty of fond memories.
Jonas has today hung up his boots…
2️⃣6️⃣1️⃣ appearances
1️⃣4️⃣ goals
5️⃣5️⃣ clean sheets????There's only one Jonas Olsson ????#WBAhttps://t.co/F1WYxBwRWs
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) September 20, 2019
With news of his retirement coming through, he understandably took plenty of praise from the fans on social media given their memories of the man for us.
Best wishes in your retirement Big man, hope to see you back at the Hawthorns in the near future. #alwaysabaggie ????⚪️
— Carl 1878 ???????????????????? (@baggyboy1878) September 20, 2019
Jonas you will always be my legend. What a superstar.
— Julie Morgan (@Morga4Julie) September 20, 2019
Absolute legend. In my life time he is up there with the best – GMac Moore Evans Siggy but this man is as good as any
— Luke Stokes (@lukestokes84) September 20, 2019
His gym magnet 1 of only 2 ex players to make it onto my fridge door. Happy retirement Jonas. You were a legend ???? pic.twitter.com/SF5CwjyRPw
— mark james gillett (@docmarkgillett) September 20, 2019
Announce him as U23 manager
— Joseph Edgehill (@JoeEdgehillWBA) September 20, 2019
Make him U23 manager please????????
— Aaron Leatherland (@azza_leva3) September 20, 2019
What a player, what a man. Someone I’ll be telling my children about in 30 years I think. Credit to him ????????????????
— Reece (@reexew) September 20, 2019
Always welcome back to the Albion, Jonas. All the very best & enjoy your retirement ???????? #leader pic.twitter.com/PExF5etdlQ
— Paul Harris (@Hero_Taylor9) September 20, 2019
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