CARL Johnson has paid tribute to Panthers favourite Emil Grondal after the Dane announced his retirement.
Johnson, who announced last month he is to leave the club in an official capacity due to work and family reasons, was manager during Grondal’s three seasons at the Showground.
And he’s labelled Grondal a ‘joy to work with’ during a successful era in the second tier for the club.
Said Johnson: “What can you say about Emil? Polite, charismatic, charming and not a bad looking lad!
“Emil was a joy to work with and the Panthers fans loved him, you would never see him without a smile on his face even when things didn’t work for him.
“He was so professional, his equipment was always on point and I think I had more hugs with Emil than I did with my own partner - he was certainly the joker in the pack!
“His announcement to retire from a sport he loves and has grown up with is a shock to many but I can totally understand his decision.
“Emil had the potential to hit the highest level in the sport but a few injuries and some off track problems halted his charge to the top, which is a shame because the sport will be a quieter place without him.
“As a Panthers fan I would like to wish Emil all the best for the future and I’m sure we will see him at tracks around the UK next season.”
Grondal himself has vowed to return to the Showground to catch up with friends from the other side of the fence.
He said: "A huge thanks to everyone who’s supported me throughout my career.
“I can’t wait to be back in England even though it’s going to be on the opposite side of the fence.
“Peterborough will always be my club in England and I will be back to say goodbye properly to the fans.”