Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is the latest Icelandic player to call Bolton Wanderers home and signing for his new club has brought home childhood memories of following his countrymen when they played for the Whites.
Bodvarsson has joined Wanderers after leaving Millwall and put pen to paper on an 18-month deal at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Bodvarsson is the latest name in a long list of Icelandic players to have played for Wanderers, including Gudni Bergsson, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Gretar Steinsson.
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The striker has spoken on his move to Bolton and why so many Icelandic players make the move to England and play their football across the Premier League and the EFL.
And he revealed conversations with Steinsson and Bergsson before and after joining Wanderers have helped convince Bodvarsson that Bolton is the right club for him.
He said: “As a kid when I was watching the Premier League in Iceland I saw Gudni Bergsson there, and I always stayed in touch with Bolton.
“For me, when I heard Bolton were interested I was like a kid.
“Icelandic people are very proud to see some of their own, especially in England if they are playing there.
“I remember all of them, Gudjohnsen, for example, he was the main one to watch for me as a kid. He was my idol, so to follow in their footsteps is a dream come true. Hopefully I can do something as well as them.
"This league is very physical and hard-working. I think it’s something we have always grown up with in Iceland. Conditions are quite tough.
"I remember when I was a kid, I was training on gravel pitches. Maybe it’s the mentality or something in us – never giving up, working hard, being honest. That always gets you really far in football. And obviously if you can add some quality onto that as well, it’s always helpful.
"I’ve always been quite hard-working. I try to do the best I can. No matter if I’m having a bad game or a good game, I try to at least have the effort there.
"I spoke to Gretar Steinsson. He’s now working with the national team for the time being. When I heard about the interest from Bolton, I spoke to him and asked him questions. He was really excited about it.
"He had nothing but positive things to say about how nice the club is, especially with making players feel welcome straight away. That’s how it’s been so far, not just the fans but the whole environment at the training ground is very family-orientated.
"That obviously played a massive part. Gudni Bergsson also spoke to me after the game the other day, saying how happy he was for me. Not just signing for Bolton, but being back out there properly because I hadn’t been playing for a while at Millwall. It’s been great."
Bodvarsson made his debut for Wanderers last weekend, coming off the bench in the second half of the 1-0 victory on the road against Shrewsbury Town.
The striker has settled in very quickly after making the move from the Lions, for whom he had played only once this season and was lacking match sharpness.
He has been away with his national team which has helped Bodvarsson to get minutes under his belt as he aims to help Wanderers climb up the League One table and was taken aback by his reception from the travelling Bolton fans against Salop.
He said: "I spoke to my family after the game. No disrespect to Millwall but coming here, you feel so welcomed. Coming on, it was like ‘wow’. It gives you extra boost and you want to do well for them because they’re cheering you on. I was really, really happy after the game. Hopefully, I can give them something back.
“Really quickly, the lads and the manager have been brilliant, everyone is aware of my situation and that I haven’t played for a while. I was lacking a few minutes.
“Just before I came here I played for the national team, which has helped a lot. I feel like my fitness is getting better and better, confidence with it.
“Mostly getting more minutes and eventually playing more regularly. I hope to get the club a bit higher up the table, step by step.
“The team has taken positive steps forward, they have just been promoted from League Two and had been going a bit of a tough time but getting two wins in a row is great and we can see how that builds up to the end of the season.
“I think it will be a lot of games in February so, not just me, but other players who have not been playing regularly, we need to be on our toes and ready.
“It is good to be back playing in this sort of environment. I feel alive again."
Wanderers take on Sunderland this weekend at the University of Bolton Stadium, where Bodvarsson could make his home debut.
The striker is not sure if he is ready to start the encounter but will give his all no matter how many minutes his new manager Ian Evatt gives him.
He said: "I can’t wait. It will be a huge game for us. Sunderland are a big team. Hopefully we’ll play well and get the win. It will be a good test and I think everyone is excited for it.
“I don’t know yet (if ready to start this weekend). Honestly I have no clue, if I has the answer I would give you it, but I don’t know. I’ll be happy for whatever I have. I’m just excited to be back out there, if it be 20 minutes or 90, I’ll be ready.”
