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Of: Johan Flinck, Moa Berander
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Isabelle Gulldén ends her career in the national team.
Tonight’s match against France was the last.
– I am very proud to have represented Sweden so many times, she says in a press release.
In the middle of Tuesday night’s game against France, the national handball team announced that Isabelle “Bella” Gulldén is ending her career in the national team.
Gulldén is considered one of the best handball players in Sweden. He has played 224 A-team international matches for Sweden and has participated in 15 championships.
The Danish European Championship was the last. The body cannot stand the continuous play of the national team and being away from family is mentally stressful.
It is not an easy decision
– I have played for a long time in the national team and 60 minutes in both the club and the national team for a long time. It begins to be felt in the body. I have known my son Lias five days out of the last 45 guys. I will also be away for the entire month of January, I would not have reached a full Olympic summer without him.
But it was not an easy decision. Playing the last game in the blue and yellow jersey was exciting beforehand.
– I will definitely cry. I have always liked playing for Sweden and of course I will miss it. But I will be his greatest support, he says in the press release.
Photograph: LUDVIG THUNMAN / BILDBYRÅN
Gulldén after his last national team match
“Without a doubt the greatest Swedish women’s handball”
With 30 seconds left in the match against France, Gulldén scored his last goal for the Swedish national team. Later, as she predicted herself, she burst into tears while hugging her companions.
– I managed to keep up decently, but now afterwards it occurred to me. It’s been a fantastic year, we’ve elevated this national team to a sport that a lot of people watch and it’s thanks to everyone who watches, says “Bella” after the game, on the Viaplay broadcast.
Federation captain Tomas Axnér pays tribute to his star player when Sportbladet talks to him after the match.
– It is undoubtedly the largest Swedish women’s handball. We can only thank him for all he has given Swedish handball, which is huge. She is a treasure and will be something else without her. She has meant a lot. Strong contribution to the medals won. She has taken the women’s national team to the next level, she says.
France won the match 31-25.
Photograph: LUDVIG THUNMAN / BILDBYRÅN
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