The text is updated, below is a previous version:
0–2 against Kosovo became the final point for Robin Olsen's national team career.
On Tuesday evening, the 35-year-old Malmö goalkeeper announced that he is ending his time in Blågult – in the middle of the ongoing World Championship qualification.
”It has been a great honor to represent one's country and I have always felt great support from our fans. Now my national team journey has come to an end and I want to thank you for all the years, for all the memories and for all the times I have been allowed to wear the blue and yellow jersey”, says Olsen in a statement on the Swedish Football Association's website.
”It's sad”
The Malmö native made his national team debut in 2015 and has since managed 79 national team matches in the Swedish jersey. In the European Championship 2016, he was a backup to Andreas Isaksson, but when Isaksson said goodbye after the championship, Olsen took over as the first-choice goalkeeper – a position he has held for almost a decade.
He also participated in the European Championship 2021 and in the World Championship tournament 2018.
”Robin Olsen has made many strong performances over a long period and has meant an enormous amount for the Swedish national team. It's sad that he chooses to quit and we wish Robin all the best in his future career”, says national team manager Stefan Pettersson.
Criticized
In the end, Viktor Johansson has stepped in as a replacement between the posts when Olsen has not been able to play.
Olsen ended up in the spotlight during the last national team gathering after the weak performances against Slovenia (2–2) and Kosovo (0–2). Especially in the meeting with Slovenia, the goalkeeper made a costly mistake that was heavily questioned.
Apart from playing in MFF, Olsen has represented several clubs on the international scene, such as Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Roma, and FC Copenhagen.
Already on Wednesday at 12.00, national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson will present the squad for the upcoming World Championship qualification matches against Switzerland and Kosovo.
