After 550 days without a national team game, Hurtig was substituted in the 69th minute of Tuesday's Nations League match in Solna. As if that wasn't reason enough to celebrate, the attacker scored the final result 6–1 with a long-range shot in stoppage time.
It was a fine finish. I'm super happy and proud and grateful to just be able to come here to this gathering, says Lina Hurtig.
Serietidningslut
Sweden's national team captain Peter Gerhardsson particularly delighted to see Hurtig on the pitch again.
It's an emotional joy, it's fantastic that she's back. It was almost like reading an old Buster, where it goes well in the end. I got a comic book feeling from it, says Gerhardsson.
It's been a tough couple of years for the 29-year-old. Until Tuesday, Hurtig hadn't played a national team game since December 1, 2023. After that, she suffered an injury and in April last year, her English club Arsenal announced that Hurtig would miss the rest of the season for personal reasons.
It's been up and down, says Hurtig.
But I'm super proud of myself.
Leaving Arsenal
She made a comeback in Arsenal in October last year and just over two weeks ago, she became Champions League champion. Hurtig was substituted in the final, which Arsenal won against Barcelona 1–0. It also became her last performance in the club, which she is leaving after the season.
In the national team, there may be new, bigger tasks already soon. On Wednesday next week, Peter Gerhardsson will present his squad for the European Championship in Switzerland.
But I'm really here and now. I'm super happy just over this gathering, and then we'll see, says Hurtig.
