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Lars-Åke Lagrell, president of the Swedish Football Association 1991-2012, passed away at the age of 80.
Joachim Björklund grew up in the inner circle of Småland football.
Grandpa Stig was called “Mr. Öster” and Jocke’s uncle is the former captain of the national team Tommy Svensson.
Stepfather Kalle Björklund, who is married to Jocke’s mother Annica, participated in 14 international matches and became Swedish champion with Öster in 1978, 1980 and 1981.
Jocke Björklund, 49 years old, tries to remember the first time he met Lars-Åke Lagrell at his home in Växjö.
– It must have been in the early 1970s, I remember Lars-Åke was with Stig and talking about football.
Joachim Björklund, who started his career at Östers IF, played for 15 years for foreign clubs in Norway, Italy, Scotland, Spain and England.
Made his debut at Blågult during the Australian tour in January 1992 and was one of the heroes of the 1994 World Cup when Sweden sought gold in the United States and returned home with a bronze medal. He played his last international match in 2000.
– During my time on the national team, Lars-Åke was president. It was more like a coach and it didn’t have much to do with us players.
Björklund remembers Lagrell as a very present president.
– He was seen in all the meetings, in all the international matches and he was always happy and in a good mood. He was just a classic leader.
Read more:
Tribute to the national coach: “Lagrell brought women’s football to light”
Johan Esk: Lagrell was one of Sweden’s greatest sports leaders of all time
Lagerbäck reminds Lagrell: “A president committed to football”
