Sportskeeda Exclusive: An interview with Arsenal's reserve player Kristoffer Olsson

Despite signing big names like Gervinho, Arteta or Mertesacker, Arsene Wenger stuck to his reputation of ‘catching them young’ by signing a 16 year old midfielder from Sweden. We managed to catch up with Arsenal‘s newest recruit, Kristoffer Olsson. Kristoffer was signed this summer from his boyhood club, IFK Norrkoping of Sweden. Having just managed to make a dream move to a mega club like Arsenal, this young midfielder gets candid about the training facilities in Arsenal, the coaches, the staffs and his new life in England.

KRISTOFFER OLSSON

Born: 30/06/1995 Norrkoping, SwedenPosition: MidfieldHeight: 5ft 9in

Club: Arsenal FC

How did you get started in football? Did you play any other sports?

My dad used to play and was a coach so I think it was through that. But I’ve always loved football so it was natural. I used to play table tennis. I was one of the best in my town but I quit when I was about 12.

Who do you look up to as a player in football?

I really liked Zidane when he used to play, but now my role models are Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere. They are all great players and I like the way they play football.

What was your first reaction when you learnt that Arsenal was interested in you? Did the signing process take a long time? Was there any interest from other clubs?

Of course I was really surprised and happy, my dad called me when I was on trial for the second time and said, ” They want to sign you!” At that moment, I was in a hotel, watching TV; so it was a really surprising! But I can’t describe that feeling. It was like a dream. The process took a long time. My home club wanted the most money they could get and things like that, but in the beginning of July, I arrived here and I became an Arsenal player.

Why did you choose Arsenal FC?

I chose Arsenal because I know the club is one of the best clubs in the world, and also that the boss ( Arsene Wenger) lets young players to get chance in the first team.

What is the difference between England and Sweden? Are the training facilities, staff etc different from your previous club?

The biggest difference is the football. Here [England], all the players are really good and you have to give your 100 per cent all the time to get involved in the training and match. In Sweden I had school every day before the training and now it’s only 2 days a week. The focus is more on the football. In the beginning it was a bit difficult adjusting with the language, I didn’t understand everything and I didn’t talk so much, but now my English is much better and that makes everything easier.

You are working with Steve Bould at present. What is his role in developing reserve players? Does the reserve team follow Wenger’s philosophy of passing football?

Since when I started playing football(4 years old), I always had good coaches, but Steve Bould is absolutely the best I have ever had. He makes you learn things, which you have never thought about before and he is tactically good as well. His role is to make all players ready for the reserve games as quickly as possible, and then after that, the first team. We, in the youth team follow Wenger’s philosophy of course. We are all good on the ball and technical sound, so we try to play on the floor and move the ball as quick as possible.

How do you like the training facilities at Arsenal?

I don’t like them, I love them. I don’t think there can be any club which has better training facilities than Arsenal. The pitches are the best in the country and the changing rooms and the gymnasium are world class. If it’s snowing or raining outside, we can go indoor and train on the artificial turf. The food is great as well. We can’t complain about anything.

What is the atmosphere inside the club? Do the senior players help younger players like you?

The atmosphere is really great. If you see a player in the first team, they always wish with hello and sometimes they ask you how are you feeling and things like that. The older players in the reserve team help you as well if you have a problem. It’s like a big family.

What is the best and the worst thing about England? How do you spend your day, while not training?

The best thing about England is the football league. Also the shopping is good. The worst thing about England is… I don’t know, the girls maybe..! When I’m not training I’m just relaxing, watching football, playing fifa, going out for a coffee or go into town for shopping, I really like shopping.

How is life in England different from that of Sweden? Do you miss your family?

A lot different actually. I missed my family and all my friends back home a lot in the beginning, but it’s better now. I still miss them but it’s worth it. My dream is to be a professional footballer and so you have to take the risks. But I can also go home sometimes and see them and they can come here and visit me. I do not regret about the fact that I moved here, it has only made me stronger as a person and a better football player.

Ok. now for some quick fire questions.

Favourite Food – tacosFavourtie Clothing line – baggy, sporty, converseAll-time favourite footballer – Zinedine ZidaneFavourite Swedish player - KIm Källström/Rasmus ElmThree words to describe you as a player – smart, technical, wittyThree words to describe you as a person – calm, happy, humbleAnd finally, where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years? Of course I hope to see myself as the best player in the world, but you have to be realistic and then maybe in a team in the Premier League. Hope it will be Arsenal.