The association is apparently still looking for a portrait of the player. Before Thursday's training at La Quinta Football Center in Marbella, a picture of Lundgren was still missing from the squad presentation on the association's website.
It says something about the sensationalism of the 30-year-old suddenly being fought over to get playing time in the final two World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland (Geneva, Saturday) and Slovenia (Solna, Sunday).
Lundgren himself didn't know if he dared to believe it was true when he heard that he had been selected. Him in the national team? At 30?
“Had no idea”
"I had no idea. I still don't know if I can take it seriously or if someone is kidding me," he told Aftonbladet last week.
After a few days in Marbella he feels like one of the gang.
"Everyone has been welcoming. There have been many impressions, but everyone has been kind and made it easy for me. It has felt good from minute one," he says.
He began by introducing himself to the squad.
It felt like many people were curious about how things were going for us and for me.
"Smart player"
Gais exceeded expectations – at least the external ones – well in this year's Allsvenskan. They came third in the end, got a little silverware for the prize money and took a qualifying place for the Conference League in the summer. Lundgren's contribution was a vital part of the collective success. The personal one came last week. From a press conference in Solna, the news was released that he had been given a place in Graham Potter's first national team squad.
Potter about Lundgren then:
He has a great football history and is a good example of never giving up. You have to believe in it and keep going. He has done really well and had a great season. An incredibly smart player.
Lundgren about the training with the national team so far:
It's a faster pace, I really feel that, but I'm growing into it more and more and it feels better and better.
It's only been four years since the left-footed winger played in Division 3 with Töölö IF and in Division 2 with Onsala BK. He is the most recent example of the many paths to elite football.
He considers the chance of a national team debut against Switzerland at the Stade de Genève to be limited.
It would have been great, but I'm not expecting anything or demanding anything. If it happens, I'll be ready and give it my all.
What qualities do you think Potter sees in you?
My offensive game and the way I find gaps and untie knots and put my teammates in good positions.
