Emil Forsberg Returns to Swedish National Team and Moves to Göteborg for Family

Emil Forsberg returns to Sweden's national team after a year away and moves to Göteborg to be closer to his children following separation from his wife.

    Key details

  • • Emil Forsberg returns to the Swedish national team after being omitted for a year.
  • • Coaching change from Jon Dahl Tomasson to Graham Potter impacted Forsberg's selection.
  • • Forsberg purchased an apartment in Göteborg to be closer to his children after separation.
  • • He stresses the importance of team cohesion and family well-being.

Emil Forsberg, 34, has made a notable return to the Swedish national football team after a year-long absence. His previous exclusion came during former coach Jon Dahl Tomasson's tenure, which ended recently following a poor run of results. With new coach Graham Potter now at the helm, Forsberg was initially left out but was called up to replace Malmö FF's Taha Ali, who withdrew due to injury.

Reflecting on the national team's recent struggles, Forsberg commented, "It was a different type of football that was chosen, and unfortunately, it didn't go well. It was disappointing not to recognize the team and how it performed." He emphasized the necessity for a fresh approach, saying, "It must be a new face for the national team," and highlighted the importance of trust and support among teammates.

On the personal front, Forsberg has relocated from Sundsvall to Göteborg, where he has purchased an apartment. This move comes after his separation from his wife of 19 years, Shanga. The primary motivation behind this shift is to be closer to his children. Forsberg said, "The most important thing is that everyone is doing well," and added with humor, "The dialect isn’t quite there yet, but maybe soon."

Currently training with Gais in Göteborg following his MLS season with New York, Forsberg expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the national team: "You think you have something to offer to the Swedish team, and it feels good to be here." The focus for him remains on both the well-being of his family and contributing positively to the national squad.

This article was translated and synthesized from Swedish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

Source comparison

Duration of absence from national team

Sources disagree on how long Forsberg was absent from the national team

expressen.se

"Forsberg has made a return to the Swedish national football team after a period of being excluded under former coach Jon Dahl Tomasson."

aftonbladet.se

"Forsberg, 34, has made a return to the Sweden national football team after a year-long absence."

Why this matters: One source states Forsberg was excluded for a period under Tomasson, while the other claims it was a year-long absence. This discrepancy affects the understanding of Forsberg's situation and the context of his return.

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