Began his career in his native Sweden with Osters IF before having spells with SK Brann and IFK Gothenburg. It was with Gothenburg that Bjorklund came to the attention of clubs across Europe.

He eventually moved to Serie A for the first time in the summer of 1995 when joining Vicenza. But British fans will know Bjorklund most for his two year spell with Scottish giants Rangers between 1996 and 1998.

Spain was the player's next port of call - joining Valencia - before finishing up back in Italy with Venezia. But with the Italian side stuck to the bottom of the table, the Swede decided to cut his losses and head for the Premiership and Sunderland.

The former Swedish international, who can boast 79 caps, signed a four-year deal with the Black Cats.

Bjorklund, a pacy defender, told the club's official website: 'For whatever reason things did not go too well in Italy and when Sunderland came in for me it was an easy choice to make.

'The Premiership along with the Prima Liga is the best in the world. I hope my experience can help bring Sunderland some success. This is a great stadium to play in and I hoping to play a part in some success here.'