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Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has revealed how he sacrificed a summer of Nations League football for the good of his Bolton Wanderers career.
The striker was worried how pulling out of his country’s Nations League schedule would be perceived but said coach Arnar Vidarsson backed his decision all the way.
Bodvarsson, 30, wanted to ensure a clear run at the League One season knowing his contract at the UniBol expires next summer.
“I’ll be honest, I was nervous for the phone call,” he told The Bolton News. “I didn’t want to let the team down, or the other players. I know I am an important and experienced player so it wasn’t an easy decision at all. But he was very, very good with it and I have total respect for it.
“He just told me that he’d hear back from me in September. I am always proud to represent my country, it is what you dream about when you are a kid.
“I just decided that I needed a breather, mentally. It had been a rollercoaster season, black and white, a lot of things going on, and there is a big one ahead, so I don’t regret it.”
Iceland had a friendly in San Marino plus games home and away against Israel and a home tie against Albania between June June 2 and June 13, with players required to meet up a few days previous.
The heavy schedule left Bodvarsson with an awkward conversation to have with Vidarsson.
“He was really good with it,” said the Whites star. “I have been in the national team for many years and this window was very busy – four games in 15 days – and he understood I had just joined Bolton. It is a big club and such an important season ahead. I didn’t want to get injured and I only have one year left, so the main goal at this point in time is to focus on Bolton.
“He understood because he was a player himself, so there was no problem.”
England’s players seemed to suffer under an intense workload, and it remains to be seen effect the fixtures have on a season already altered by a winter World Cup.
“It is a bit crazy because players’ bodies need a breather,” Bodvarsson said. “We are always physically fit but mentally you benefit from having a little bit of time away from the game.
“I think you can see with England that they ran out gas.”
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