Sunderland’s long-serving midfielder Sebastian Larsson has stated that he is fresh and ready for Euro 2016 as the former Birmingham City man looks to put a disappointing personal campaign behind him in France this summer.
Larsson has jetted off to France with his Swedish compatriots as they look to cause an upset at Euro 2016. Larsson has had limited playing time this season due to injuries and poor form, however, the Swede is looking to use his freshness to his advantage in what could be his final major tournament for his country.
“Even if I was not worried about the physical element, I received a reassurance that it was not a problem. The training and the matches that I’ve had have made me feel in good shape.
“It’s not often you feel completely fresh going into the summer internationals or before the championships. It’s usually the other way around, but now it feels good.”
Signed on a free transfer in 2011, Larsson now enters the final 12 months in his Sunderland contract and it would be no surprise to see the 31-year-old depart the Stadium of Light this summer. His limited appearances suggest that he is likely to be one of the players Allardyce looks to move on this summer as he seeks to remodel his Sunderland squad for the upcoming campaign. Larsson has made 179 appearances for Sunderland during his five-year stay, scoring 14 times for the Black Cats.
Per Jonsson, Larsson’s agent, admitted in April that the player would look to quit Wearside if the club were relegated; and that is unlikely to have changed despite Sunderland betaing the drop yet again.
“He has one year left on his contract which expires in the summer of 2017. It is clear that there will be a queue of clubs interested in him. He has a very good reputation and is still a very good player, with more to give.”
