The defender made her debut in the national team back in 2008. 17 years later, she chooses to end her blue-yellow career after the ongoing collection. 158 international matches, 19 goals and four championship medals are on her list of achievements.
"The national team has been my life for so long and it's a life I've loved to live. Now I'm closing that door and passing on the baton, it feels great," says Linda Sembrant.
Many fond memories
She can look back on several major championship successes. The first came when she was part of the World Cup team that won bronze in 2011. Two more medals of the same denomination awaited in 2019 and 2023. She also played in the Olympic final in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, which the national team lost to Germany.
"I have so many great memories in this shirt. It has been a fantastic journey. I am proud of all the success we have achieved, all the medals we have won and how we have driven women's football forward. The joy I have experienced during my national team career I will always carry with me. Now I stand here and have the chance to win another medal. It feels like a nice ending," says Linda Sembrant.
Sweden begins the fight for bronze in the Nations League in Reims on Friday evening. The return match against France will be played in Stockholm on Tuesday.
Many to thank
But even before that, she takes the opportunity to thank everyone who has meant something to her during her long and successful national team career.
"All the players I have had the honor of playing with, all the national team captains, all the leaders. I want to give an extra big thank you to Marika (Domanski Lyfors) who has been with me from day one, she has meant so much to me. Last but not least, thank you to all the supporters. You mean so much to us. It has been powerful to see you become more and more numerous. Thank you for all the love I have received. Never stop cheering for the national team. Soon we will do it together. And together we are Sweden," says Sembrant.
National team captain Tony Gustavsson:
"Her legacy is something we will do everything we can to preserve in the national team. Whatever she takes on going forward, I wish her the best of luck."
Sembrant is the second national team veteran who has recently decided to end her blue-yellow career. Magdalena Eriksson recently resigned.
Born: May 15, 1987 in Uppsala.
Senior clubs in his career: Bälinge, AIK, Gothenburg, Tyresö, Montpellier, Juventus, Bayern Munich, AIK.
National team career: Debuted in 2008. Has played 158 international matches and scored 19 goals for the Blue and Yellow.
Current: Makes his last international appearances in the double match against France for bronze in the Nations League.
