Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Kafaji: "I've shared small secrets"

Rosa Kafaji left Häcken for Arsenal just a month ago. Now she's back to face her old club team in the Champions League. Maybe I've revealed a few small secrets, says the 21-year-old.

» Updated: 06 October 2024, 14:09

» Published: 17 September 2024

Kafaji: "I've shared small secrets"
Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Rosa Kafaji was only 15 years old when she made her debut in AIK's senior team.

A few years later, ahead of the 2022 season, several clubs were interested in her, before Häcken won the tug-of-war for the super talent.

In a similar way, it is reported that the interest in the Swedish national team midfielder was great from several major clubs before the choice finally fell on Arsenal last summer.

But just weeks later, she is back in Gothenburg again.

That it would be Häcken in the Champions League qualifying round felt pretty obvious before the draw, she says.

Yes, I had a feeling it would be Häcken, says the newly minted Arsenal star.

It feels fantastic to be back.

Hurtig injured

Arsenal had previously had a Swedish national team trio in their team – Stina Blackstenius, Amanda Ilestedt, and Lina Hurtig. The latter, however, will miss Wednesday evening's match in Gothenburg due to a muscle injury.

But since the end of the summer, Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall has had another Swede in the squad.

In connection with the transfer, he called her "one of the most exciting young talents in the world".

It's an impression that has been reinforced during the first weeks.

She has fit in really well with us. She is a fantastically talented player, good at English, a social person, and curious to learn, says Jonas Eidevall.

High expectations

There are, in other words, quite high expectations on the latest Swede in the London club. But it's nothing new, notes the 21-year-old herself.

I've always had high expectations on me. So I don't feel stressed about it. I have high expectations on myself too, says Rosa Kafaji.

Arsenal, unlike Häcken, failed to reach the Champions League group stage this year.

Now Rosa Kafaji hopes for a new group stage – even if it has to happen at the expense of her old club.

She has, however, pointed out to her new teammates that it will be a tough task to beat Häcken.

But exactly what she said, she – of course – doesn't want to reveal.

I've said it's a good team, with skilled individuals. That it won't be an easy match, she says.

I can't say what tips I've given them. But I've told them a bit about the players and what their strengths are and so on.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"
3 MIN READ

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands
1 MIN READ

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands

Sprint star moves to Italy
1 MIN READ

Sprint star moves to Italy

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet
2 MIN READ

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami
1 MIN READ

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"
3 MIN READ

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"

NHL star McDavid back after injury
2 MIN READ

NHL star McDavid back after injury

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up
2 MIN READ

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up

CL success for the Swede: zero intact
2 MIN READ

CL success for the Swede: zero intact

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"
2 MIN READ

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties
1 MIN READ

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic
2 MIN READ

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe
2 MIN READ

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf
1 MIN READ

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One
2 MIN READ

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One

Källberg's giant upset – crushed the world number one
1 MIN READ

Källberg's giant upset – crushed the world number one

Own goal not investigated as suspected match-fixing
1 MIN READ

Own goal not investigated as suspected match-fixing

The Back Icon Leaves AIK: "An Incredible Journey"
2 MIN READ

The Back Icon Leaves AIK: "An Incredible Journey"

Tomasson on Gyökeres: "He's a bulldozer"
3 MIN READ

Tomasson on Gyökeres: "He's a bulldozer"

City forced to pay millions to star
1 MIN READ

City forced to pay millions to star