A versatile defender who can switch between right-back and central defensive duties, Andreas Granqvist was on the fringe of the Sweden squad for a number of years before making his competitive debut in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying tournament. He joined Genoa CFC in summer 2011 after three fine seasons with Dutch club FC Groningen.

• Made his Allsvenskan debut for home-town club Helsingborgs IF in 2004 and became a cornerstone of the team's defence over the next three campaigns, captaining them to victory in the 2006 Swedish Cup with a 2-0 victory over Gefle IF in the final.

• Played 26 times for the national U21 side and made his senior debut for Sweden in January 2006 against Jordan in Abu Dhabi.

• Joined Wigan Athletic FC on loan in January 2007 but made just one appearance that season, in an FA Cup tie; was offered a permanent deal in the summer and became a fixture in the back four during Chris Hutchings' brief time as manager but was overlooked by new boss Steve Bruce, triggering his return to Helsingborg.

• Ventured abroad again in summer 2008, joining Groningen, where he would become a firm fans' favourite, not least with his scoring ability, registering four goals in 2008/09, six in 2009/10 and 11 (including six penalties) in 2011/12.

• Scored five minutes into his competitive international debut – a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against San Marino on 7 September 2010 – and also found the net on his first competitive start – Sweden's consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat by the Netherlands the following month.

• Left Groningen for Genoa on a four-year contract; settled quickly in Italy and registered his first Serie A goal in a 3-2 triumph over Udinese Calcio on 15 January 2012.