At the age of 19, Hana Lundqvist moved to Madrid to play football.
Life far from family and friends was not quite ready for the idol of the national team.
– It came like a slap in the face, she says.
Hana Lundqvist has turned 20 since she left Sweden.
Since last winter, the young full-back lives in Spain and plays for Atlético Madrid.
— It was a major adjustment, says Lundkvist.
She cites a tougher training climate as one of the major changes. Then a factor that has nothing to do with the football field.
– I don’t have my friends or family around. I was ready for it, but when the time came, it came as a slap in the face that was hard to fully prepare for.
I feel happy in Madrid
How is the loss now?
– There is nothing wrong. I got used to it. I communicate really well with my teammates which made it a lot easier. But you clearly miss them.
She described the first time in Madrid as “difficult”, but after the summer, life in the warmer latitudes became easier.
– With a new season and new players, it was easier to get into it. I’ve got a lot of playing time so I feel comfortable enjoying the city.
Lundkvist: I became mentally stronger
Time developed in Spain Lundqvist as a footballer and as a person.
Like I said, it was very difficult at first. I needed to deal with it and become mentally stronger and believe in myself more.
The 20-year-old cites high speed on the football field as an important part of her development, which has now led to her reaching the national team.
It’s a lot of fun and a big dream, says Lundqvist of being on the team.
The national team midfielder is on the assembly line in Australia and could make his international debut on Saturday.
– I really hope to play. But it’s fun to be here and to learn how it works. If I don’t have the opportunity now, I hope there will be more opportunities in the future.
Hana Lundqvist made her AIK debut at Elitettan in 2018. She then spent three seasons at Hammarby before moving to Atlético Madrid.
The 20-year-old has represented the national under-17, under-19 and under-23 national teams.