Per Nilsson

Per Nilsson was born on September 15, 1982 in Härnösand, Sweden.

In 1988, Per started his youth playing career in Stigsjö IK and in 1992 left for IFK Timrå, where he was finally promoted to the first squad and made his debut as a senior player. All in all he appeared for Timrå 10 times and netted 6 goals.

In 1999, the defender joined the club of GIF Sundsvall. During the two seasons for the club he gained 40 appearances and scored once. In 2001, Per made a move to the AIK Solna but couldn’t show his pace there, so in 2005 he transferred to the Norwegian club of Odd Grenland. The footballer played for the Tippeligaen outfit since 2005 to 2007 until he joined the second Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Despite numerous injuries during his first season he appeared in 25 games and helped his team to promote to the top German flight. Next season he was a starter and was on the bench only once. In the season 2009/10, he was given the captain’s armband.

In 2010, the defender was signed for FC Nürnberg for €450, 000. He debuted in the 12th Bundesliga round but soon suffered a severe knee injury. In general his recent two seasons were constantly interrupted by injuries. On March 12, 2011 he netted his first Bundesliga goal in the away match versus VfL Wolfsburg.

Per’s international senior debut occurred on January 31, 2001 with his Sweden national football team in the match against the Faroe Islands national squad. Besides he played for the U-18, U-19 and U-21 national teams and for the latter had got 22 caps and scored one goal. He also represented the senior national team.