Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson targets Premier League & promises fans the drinks are on him if they conquer Championship

VIKTOR JOHANSSON is hoping the beers will be on him come May as he sets his sights on a dream Premier League promotion. The Stoke keeper famously bought SIX HUNDRED pints for Rotherham supporters at the Cutlers Arms two years ago to thank them for standing by him through tough times before his move to the Potteries. Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson has vowed to buy drinks for fans if the Potters are promoted Credit: Getty He famously bought SIX HUNDRED pints for Rotherham fans two years ago Credit: Every Second Media And if the 27-year-old Swedish international gets his way, Stoke supporters could be getting an even bigger rounds-on-me moment if he can help them conquer the Championship. He told SunSport: “It was a famous story! I came in as a young goalkeeper and I had no expectations. I made loads of mistakes early on — but they were always behind me. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “They never had a bad word to say about me. They were always supportive, so here I am today. I can’t speak highly enough of them. “Even when we were struggling, they made me their favourite and I won Player of the Year. I was so popular there. My motto is to treat people the way you want to be treated. “If I can make people smile and put a smile on their faces, then I’m happy to help. It’s about being selfless — doing autographs, signing shirts. It doesn’t cost anything, does it? “My granddad always taught me that, and my wife joins in too. It’s just about making people happy.” That humility has instantly endeared him to the Stoke faithful, who are desperate to see their club end their Championship exile and return to the big time. The Potteries has been starved of top-flight football for eight years but Johansson insists there is genuine belief in the dressing room that they can launch a promotion charge despite last weekend’s opening-day 2-1 loss against Swansea. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Ahead of this weekend’s trip to relegated Wolves, Johansson said: “I think we proved over a three or four-month spell last season that it could be us. There’s massive belief here. We just need to keep on going. “Every team has a dip, but we need to make sure we climb that learning curve. Look at the teams coming down. West Ham are a big club in this division and Southampton didn’t go up last time. “It’s a tough league, but we know what we are capable of achieving if we stay consistent.” While many modern players complain about the relentless grind of a 46-game league campaign, the Swede thrives on the chaotic nature of the English second tier. Between domestic cup ties and his growing international commitments, Johansson rarely gets a breathing space — and that is exactly how he likes it. Johnansson (centre) has become a hugely popular figure at Stoke Credit: Getty The Swedish shot-stopper is considered one of the best keepers in the Championship Credit: Alamy The 12-times capped Swedem keeper added: “I love it, yeah! It’s what I want to do as a footballer — play games. And when they come quick and fast, it’s even more enjoyable. “People say there are too many games but I just love being out there. Coming from Sweden, making that leap, it’s just been constant. It’s been a big change but it suits me down to the ground. I enjoy the battle.” That willingness to throw himself into the firing line stems from a fundamental truth about goalkeeping: it takes a unique mindset to stand between the sticks. Johansson places shot-stoppers in a completely separate category to outfield players, acknowledging that the mental resilience required is off the charts. He explained: “Goalkeepers are a different breed! We are in a separate category altogether — we’re our own union. “Out on the pitch, if an outfield player makes a mistake, there’s usually someone behind them to cover. But when you’re in goal, you’re on your own. Johansson said keepers needed ‘thick skin’ to perform at the highest level Credit: Every Second Media He hailed Neil Warnock for putting his arm around him after a bad mistake for Rotherham Credit: Getty “You’ve got to be thick-skinned. You’ve got to be a bit sharper upstairs and be ready for relentless pressure.” That mental toughness was forged early in his career, including a memorable moment under legendary manager Neil Warnock at Sheffield United that left a lasting impression. Recalling a raw moment early in his journey at Bramall Lane, Johansson revealed how Warnock protected him when he was at his lowest. Johansson revealed: “I remember playing at against Sheffield United. I made a mistake, conceded a goal and I walked into the dressing room upset. “I felt like I’d lost a million dollars. I was sitting there as a 19 or 20-year-old kid, devastated. “Warnock walked in, saw the look on my face and just put his arms around me. He was absolute class. He protected me, uplifted me and made sure I didn’t dwell on it. “He’s a proper football man, tough as old boots, but if you put a shift in for him, he’s in your corner all day long. He knows how to treat people and make them smile.” Comment now