Former Addick Jonatan Johansson recently enjoyed a nostalgic return to south-east London with fellow Nordics Hermann Hreidarsson, Claus Jensen, Martin Pringle and Mathias Svensson.
The 49-year-old, who joined the Addicks from Scottish giants Rangers in the summer of 2000, watched Charlton's 4-0 triumph against Huddersfield Town at The Valley before visiting the club's Sparrows Lane training ground with Jensen and Pringle.
"The whole trip has been amazing," he smiled. "Being back at The Valley and meeting up with my teammates for the first time in 20 years has been very nostalgic, and the result against Huddersfield was the icing on the cake!
"I think football players are bad at keeping in touch, apart from a text now and then, so it’s been great to see them! And not just my teammates, but some of the workers that have been here since we were players. It’s been so nice to see some familiar faces."
"The soul of the club is still here at the training ground, but for a modern club you need a facility like this - the pitches are great and it’s a really good atmosphere around the place. They’ve kept that family atmosphere, and that’s really important for a club like Charlton."
Johansson enjoyed six seasons in the top-flight with the Addicks, featuring 167 times across all competitions and scoring 33 goals in the process.
"Playing in the Premier League was a dream come true," he explained. "What I remember the most was being underdogs, being favourites for relegation, so finishing ninth was a really big achievement. I loved the derby games against the London teams, and competing with them. Playing at grounds such as Old Trafford and Highbury, as well as all the other great places, especially in the first few seasons was another highlight for me."
The Finland international gained notoriety amongst the Charlton faithful for his ability to score overhead kicks - including two in one game against Exeter City!
"As a kid you practice them, so it might have been something that came naturally, but on’t ask me to try one now though!"
"The winners against Chelsea and Arsenal are what I remember mostly, and also that game against West Ham, because it was a last-minute equaliser. It’s always about how much a goal is worth, rather than the goal itself."
Johansson was full of praise for the work of the new-look Ex-Players' Association, headed up by club legends Steve Brown and Kevin Lisbie.
"It’s great for us ex-players to meet up. Traditions can often be a burden, so it’s important the connection between the past and present is a good one, and for that you need ex-players to come in and be part of the whole Charlton experience. If there’s a disconnect it doesn’t work, so that’s very important. It’s great to be invited back as well."
Former players can register for the club's Ex-Players' Association by using this form.
The Addicks return to The Valley on Good Friday to host Northampton Town. Don't miss out - click here to purchase your tickets now!
(Transcription by Joe Robinson)
