Impressive Wilhelmsson eyes big move

Christian Wilhelmsson is hoping his excellent individual displays at Euro 2012 will help his bid to join a big club.

The Al Hilal winger, 32, was one of Sweden’s most effective players during their failed bid to reach the quarter-finals in Poland and Ukraine, and is eager to use his displays as a bargaining chip during the transfer window.

Wilhelmsson told Goal.com: “Of course (my performances) are going to have an influence on teams.

“It’s important because everyone looks at this kind of tournament and big games like this, so I hope it’s going to be a boost, of course.”

Wilhelmsson came off the bench to good effect in all three games, most notably making an impact in his team’s 2-0 win over France on the final match day in Group D.

He was delighted to be able to reward the travelling Swedish supporters in Kiev.

“They’ve been there all the time and supported us very well,” he said. “Even in training, they came to those sessions, so it means a lot that we can give them this kind of game.”

The ex-Nantes, Roma, Bolton and Deportivo La Coruna man is among a number of ageing Swedes who want to continue their international careers.

Wilhelmsson hopes the victory over France can be the first forward step after a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.

“I’m satisfied with our game on Tuesday, and unfortunately we didn’t have the little bit of luck in the first two games,” he said.

“That first half (versus Ukraine) really sucks actually. We didn’t come up to our standard at all, we didn’t reach our level.

“In the games against both Ukraine and England we were one goal up, but we couldn’t keep it, and we should have drawn at least one of those games.

“One draw in those first two games would have been enough, and then we’d be qualified, but that’s football.

“In this kind of tournament you need a little bit of luck to go through, so we have to take this game with us to the World Cup qualifiers.”