West Brom's Jonas Olsson promises return to say 'farewell properly'

The long-serving centre-back has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Baggies three months early in order to join Swedish side Djurgarden IF ahead of their season which begins in nine days’ time.

It ends an Albion career which has seen him clock up more than 250 appearances over of the past nine seasons.

The 34-year-old is already in Stockholm, where he has signed a two-year deal with his new club, but has reassured Baggies fans he will return.

“It’s all happened so quickly I’ve not had chance to say a proper farewell to so many people,” said Olsson. “I will be back at the first chance to do that. “I still feel I have a few good years in me but such is the quality of the competition at Albion for places in my position, it was getting harder and harder to see a first team opportunity. Albion has been and will always be a huge part of my life and it is great to feel I am leaving it in such a strong position.”

A warrior at the heart of defence, Olsson played an integral role in transforming Albion from a ‘yo-yo’ club into an established Premier League outfit.

But he’s struggled for minutes this season and has only played in one league game in 2017.

After that game against Tottenham he fell behind Craig Dawson in the pecking order at centre-back and with Tony Pulis bringing in Marc Wilson on loan from Bournemouth in January, the Baggies have enough options in defence to see them though the season.

Pulis took time out of his holiday to pay tribute to the long-haired Swede.

“I thanked him for his loyalty and effort,” said Pulis. “He is a super competitor and terrific professional. He will always be looked on with great respect by everyone at West Bromwich Albion and he will always be welcomed back here while I’m in charge.”

Gareth McAuley is due to sign a new 12-month contract extension when he returns from international duty.

The club are negotiating on a couple of minor points with McAuley’s representatives but both sides are confident a new deal will be completed soon.