“Another foreign import from Italy.” Those were the words of some Leeds United fans when the loan signing of Pontus Jansson was announced six games into last season.
After his performances over the rest of the campaign, these fans were more than converted to Jansson lovers, adoration for a player who clattered into tackles and left strikers with very little room to manoeuvre.
T-shirts were adorned with composite images of him and Terminator robots, a compound verb (to be Janssoned) was coined to signify the brute strength of his tackling and a catchy ditty was penned regarding his ability to head building materials.
The February 2017 announcement by the club that they were to take up the option of turning Jansson’s loan into a permanent deal was met with much jubilation by Leeds United fans – the talismanic centreback rapidly becoming a part of the fabric at Elland Road.
His performances over last season led to him being included in the Sky Bet Championship’s Team of the Season – an occurrence that was really never in doubt. At times imperious, mainly dominant, Leeds fans could see that they’d gotten hold of a majorly good player for what is rumoured to be a £3.5 million fee.
As much as the Leeds fans loved Jansson, it seemed that the affection was mutual. Fans cheered him from the terraces, and his post-match ritual was to personally applaud the crowd and engage in a short run-up as the crowd chanted, Jansson responding with a rising fist of triumph.
There was definitely some sort of synergy developing between player and supporters. It’s even obvious this season, more so after Jansson’s tweet last night.
https://twitter.com/PJansson5/status/944688433452257281
It goes without saying that Leeds United fans were quick to both ‘Like’ and ‘Comment’ on the tweet from a player who is really getting what it means to be Leeds.
Leeds United fans comment on Pontus Jansson tweet – passion realised and responded to
You really do get it mate. The fans on those terraces would die for each other.. thats all we want from players. Merry Christmas to you x
— Mark Harrison🇬🇧 (@sparkylufc1970) December 23, 2017
Sign a life time deal
— Tom (@thomas_wilson04) December 23, 2017
Because people like you have made this club great again #lufc #ALAW pic.twitter.com/gYwEYYLFBo
— Shaun Meakin (@shaunmeakin10) December 23, 2017
The rock on which our next 10 years will be built on. #MOT #LUFC
— Steve (@WidderTwanky) December 23, 2017
I think this tweet just got me pregnant
— Dan O Connor (@danoclufc) December 23, 2017
You and others have given hope back to so many who couldn’t see good days coming again. Much love to you and the club.
— Samuel Bepys (@SamuelBepys) December 23, 2017
— Smudge ( ͡° ͜ ͡°) (@pieman180) December 23, 2017
You get us you get the club you understand and for that I thank you Merry Christmas to you and your family #let’s continuethejourney
— Karl Brooke (@karlbrooke) December 23, 2017
Seriously becoming a legend at our club hope you have a long future with Leeds you deserve it 😀
— dibley (@dibley1701) December 23, 2017
You towering Swedish bastard, we love you 😍 #LUFC #MOT
— Liam (@Liamdestroyer39) December 23, 2017