Viktor Johansson sends 'brilliant' Stoke City message as Viktor...

The player of the season reacts to survival by implying a long-term future in the most recent Stoke City news from

StokeontrentLive.

Despite having a turbulent debut season at Stoke City, Viktor Johansson has hinted that he will return next season.

After joining from relegated Rotherham last summer, the Sweden international custodian won over supporters with

a string of standout displays that helped Stoke maintain their Championship standing.

However, Johansson used Instagram to thank fans for their support at the end of a challenging season and to hint

that, despite being one of the team’s most recognisable players, he might be staying at the bet365 Stadium.

Johansson wrote: “I just want to say a massive thank you to all the Stoke fans for supporting me and my team-mates

this season,” following two outstanding saves in Saturday’s crucial 0-0 draw at Derby County.

“You have supported us through all of the highs and lows, both at home and away. You don’t realise how much I

appreciate it. It’s time to relax and spend time with family. See you everyone in the upcoming season.

In addition to receiving a humorous reply from teammate Lynden Gooch, Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres, a striker for

Sporting Lisbon valued at £60 million who is attracting interest from several Premier League teams, also responded

with a heart emoji.

Gooch posted: “Any chance of you coming for that ball yesterday or what?”, to which Johansson fired back, “I just

love to see you run” before adding: “I love you btw.”

As for Gyökeres, Johansson raised his one heart emoji by posting two.

With 14 clean sheets in 46 league games, the 26-year-old Stoke player of the season may have prevented them from

going through a period in League One.

He has two more seasons left on his deal, but since manager Mark Robins is expected to undertake a major

reconstruction this summer and the bet365 Stadium is still worried about EFL spending limits, the £6 million

custodian would be a viable alternative to raise money.

Johansson said on the Stoke website that his first season there had been “amazing.” Both the players and the fans

have made me feel quite welcome. It feels a little strange to say, but for me, it’s been a new beginning.

We’re really close as a bunch. And I believe that we became much closer this season. You can feel the strong sense of

family that permeates the entire club.

“We are a great team, and I can’t wait for next season to start and get going again.”

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