Source: Live broadcast
Recently, Ericsson, who joined Wolfsburg this summer, received an exclusive interview with the company, he talked about the reasons for the transfer of Wolfsburg, friendship with Kane and other topics.
Welcome to the Bundesliga, how were your first few days in Germany, especially at Wolfsburg and the club
“Everything was very quiet, but welcomed with enthusiasm. I came here just on the eve of the club’s 80th anniversary celebration and saw the stadium and the fans training the day before. It feels great to see their passion for football and the club’s vitality in this city.”
What are your first impressions of Derby, fans, and the big party celebrating Wolfsburg’s 80th anniversary?
"That's really beautiful, and it looks great from the bench. When watching German football on TV and participating in the Champions League here, you can always see a full audience and a good atmosphere, with flags and slogans. Obviously, this makes people feel very happy on the field."
How did you decide to join Wolfsburg?
“It was facilitated by several phone contacts between my broker and Peter-Christensen, after which I spoke with the sports director and the head coach to learn what they thought of me and the situation in the club. It felt right at the time and being able to play football here made me happy. It gave me a good feeling and was also a fun thing.”
Wolfsburg has a lot of Danish players, is that helpful for your adaptation?
“I didn’t get an invitation to dinner yet, maybe because they didn’t cook so they didn’t invite me! Of course, this factor didn’t affect my decision, nor did it matter how many Danes I’ve been because I’m always struggling to integrate into the team. But in the club, you’ll be more with your Danish teammates because it’s easier to integrate. They know all the shortcuts, know what to do and what not to do, which has somehow accelerated my adaptation process.”
You’ve experienced a lot of dressing rooms in your career and how you can positively influence the atmosphere of the team.
“I think this will be reflected on the pitch because I came here as a player to help the team on the pitch. In addition, I’ll first get to know everyone, understand their characteristics as individuals and players, and how they like and dislike in the game.”
“These things need to be learned in the first few weeks or months, but I think they’ll see me as someone who can pass anytime, and I’ll try my best to find a solution and hope they can work together around that.”
How did your football career begin
“It started early, my neighbor was three years older than I was, and now he’s still one of my best friends. I started playing with him when he was six years old, and then I was only three years old. We started at the local midfielder football club and then played until I was thirteen, and then I moved to a larger club in Odense.”
"There I found my place and went to Ajax again at the age of sixteen. I tried a lot of things when I was very young, but I think it all started with my love of football and the fun of being with my friends. My father was my coach at that time, so I always had someone to play with, and I did play a lot of football."
Who are your most important supporters or influencers at the start of your career
“My father is a coach, but my mother and sister have always been involved in football, and try to arrange time to watch the game and support me as much as possible. Clearly, it will be helpful when your parents are willing to watch you play and help you.
“They never forced me to do anything, and while they never said I don’t have to do what I don’t want to do, I never thought of giving up.”
You've had a brilliant career at some big clubs, how do you evaluate your success and what does it mean to you
“When I see this list, I will smile.Now I have children, my son tells me I’m not good, but I tell him to wait and see.I’m happy for the achievements I’ve achieved myself, and obviously I’m not over yet.Look at my resume, there are some special times.”
Most of your career has passed, can you describe your favorite parts of your job, as well as possible shortcomings?
“Whether it’s training or competition, it feels good to be involved in competition. When you know you’ve done your best, or have had a pleasant time, it feels great even if it’s tough but at the same time enjoyable. I’ve heard that those who retire will miss that feeling of tension, miss the focus on the pitch and the feeling of being with the team. It feels unparalleled to be able to play football in front of fans.”
You were Kane's teammate at Tottenham Hotspur, what kind of man he was and what kind of great player he was
"When he emerged at Tottenham Hotspur, we often practiced shooting together. After a few games, he began to score goals and help the team. We still keep in touch. He is my good friend. But now he has come to Germany and scored many goals. I am happy for him."
What are your goals in Wolfsburg?
“First of all, I’m very happy to be here.I’m excited to see where I can help the team and how far we can go this season.I think we’ve had a good start and hope to keep moving forward and fighting for the league.We know it takes a lot of effort and a tough game, but it’s a good start.”
What do you expect from the upcoming match against Dortmund, and maybe your debut?
“The time is determined by the coach who chooses the players. I hope I can participate in it in some way, whether it’s playing or supporting the team. It’s fun to play in Dortmund and I’ve always been looking forward to this match.”
Wolfsburg hasn’t won any trophies for a while, and how do you define success here?
“Wolfsburg is a big club with a long tradition. There has been a downturn in the past few seasons, but I hope that with the joint effort of all, including myself, we can stabilize and have a successful season. We’ll see how far this can take us, but it’s a upward process and I’m looking forward to this challenge.”
Your experience at Manchester United has had its highs and lows. What do you think of that time
"I personally had a great time at Manchester United. When I returned to Brentford, it was a big deal to have the opportunity to play against Manchester United. I feel that I proved myself at Manchester United, I had a great time, and my family loved it there. I believe we still have many friends there."
“I’ve had a great time at the club, but it’s been a strange time because there’s a lot of things going on in Manchester United. The world’s view of the club is sometimes different from the reality. There’s a lot of people working hard in the club, but things don’t always go as they want.”
If you form a five-person team and choose the players you’ve played with, you’ll choose whom.
“Every time I’m asked this question, I’ll choose a different player, and this time it’s no exception. The goalkeeper I’ll choose Deha, the defender I’ll choose Agge, the midfield I’ll choose Musa-Dembeley because he never loses the ball, and it’s very good for the five-person system. The front fighter side, if you’ve played the ball with C-Ro, you’ll definitely choose him. This time I’ll choose Kane as the front fighter, using the 1-1-2 series.”
You've made 142 appearances for Denmark, how much are you looking forward to the 2026 World Cup
“It will be very special, first we need to be promoted, and I also need to be summoned to the national team because last time I didn’t participate. I’m looking forward to the World Cup because such opportunities aren’t many, every time is very special. When you’re there, you want to be seen, want to be the best of yourself and help your country as much as possible, it’s a big deal to represent Denmark at the World Cup.”