Ola Toivonen: 'I almost joined Liverpool under Roy Hodgson'

Sunderland striker Ola Toivonen has revealed that he was close to signing for Liverpool when Roy Hodgson was in charge of the club.

The 29-year-old, who is currently on loan at the Stadium of Light from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, insists that it was an easy decision to join Sunderland and finally get a chance to play in the Premier League.

Speaking to the Northern Echo, Toivonen said: "I have had opportunities to come to the Premier League before.

"A couple of years ago it looked like I would be joining Liverpool when Roy Hodgson was there. Not fighting hard enough for that to happen is something I regret in my life.

"I always wanted to play in the Premier League so when I got the call from Sunderland it was a quick decision to make."

Toivonen has made 44 international appearances for Sweden, scoring nine goals.