Jon Dadi Bodvarsson admitted he felt “goosebumps” with the post-match reaction of the Wolves fans after his clinical equaliser earned a point in Saturday’s opening game of the season at Rotherham.
On the day he became the 1000th player to appear in a league fixture for Wolves, Bodvarsson’s superb finish saw ten-men Wolves complete their comeback to draw 2-2.
And, cajoled by Head Coach Walter Zenga, Bodvarsson led the 2,600 away fans in the Viking Thunder Clap made famous by Iceland’s fans at this summer’s European Championships..
“It was fantastic for me, I couldn’t have asked for more,” said the affable striker.
“Of course wanted three points but considering how game went we are pleased with a point.
“For my goal it was a fantastic pass from Joao (Teixeira).
“I tried to hit it as well as possible into the top corner, and thankfully it did.
“To score in front of those fantastic fans on my debut was a great feeling, hopefully there are more to come!
“I had heard it (the Viking Clap) during the game, especially in second half
“And then Walter told me to do it at the end!
“It was a really good moment for me with the fans, a great feeling which gave me goosebumps.
“As a team we need to always be part with the fans - they are really important for us, the twelfth man.
“When I was little I always supported my team in Iceland, so I know how it is to be a fan.
“Players should consider ourselves part of it with the fans, and always greet them with a great gesture.
“We must always try to deliver for the team, the club and the fans as well.
“We did that on Saturday, especially in the second half.”
That second half performance came after a nightmare opening in which Wolves found themselves 2-0 down inside 20 minutes.
George Saville pulled a goal back before the break, and even though Dominic Iorfa was sent off shortly half time, Wolves still finished the stronger and could have added a winner after Bodvarsson’s leveller.
“It was a hard start to the game,” said the Icelander.
“We weren’t aggressive enough, and didn’t approach the gameplan as we wanted.
“We were too passive and let them get the advantage and were really disappointed.
“It was important to get the goal before half time and was a massive goal from George.
“It gave us a lot of energy.
“We were much, much better in the second half and how the game went, we will take a point.
“Sometimes it is like that when down to ten men – football is a weird game, somehow we got more power from it and became even more motivated.
“We had to work harder - which we did - and showed good character and passion especially in the last 25 minutes.”
Bodvarsson was delighted to be crowned the club’s 1000th league player, just five days after arriving!
“It is a fun fact!” he said.
“It makes me proud, and also I am just proud to play for this club.
“I am really happy, and it is a dream come true to play in England.
“The game itself didn’t surprise me, I know the Championship is quite aggressive, it is physical with a lot of speed.
“I have come from Bundesliga 2 which is also quite physical and fast so I was prepared for a tough first game.
“I am a player already looking to improve and will work hard to keep doing that.”
Not only does he believe he will personally improve his game but also the team, the longer they work with the new Head Coach.
“I like his philosophy,” Bodvarsson said of Zenga.
“He wants us to be compact as a team, similar to the Icelandic national playing style.
“And he wants us to play football as well.
“All the players are getting into it well, but it takes time to get new things in your head
“There are a lot of changes and new things but we have to put our minds to it as fast as possible.
“It will take time, but hopefully we will get better and better every game and I am positive we will improve.”
