I am currently on a train to Linköping to see Linköping play Eskilstuna. It’s an incredible game as Eskilstuna and Linköping can potentially win the league this year! The return of Petra Larsson! But also more importantly, the last ever home game of our captain and leader, Charlotte “Lotta” Rohlin!
I got my first real taste of women’s football back in 2007. It was during the 2007 World Cup.
I had seen some games in London, but to watch the international scene showed the main diversity between the skill level. I was supporting no team, just more a case of interest at that level. One of the main reasons that I was so fascinated is that I had no knowledge of who was favourites, or who were the better players.
Looking back there were some players who stood ahead of the rest. Marta, top scorer, and Nadine Angerer, who was easily the best goalkeeper in the tournament, being two examples. Above all the crowds were the most impressive. On average 38,000 per game.
Living in England, I had an initial interest in the national team. But I was drawn more towards Sweden than England. I was living with a Swedish flatmate at the time, and she had played football at a junior level, so we watched the Swedish games with a few glasses of wine each time.
Though Sweden narrowly missed out on group qualification, there was a young defender who impressed. Charlotte Rohlin.
Rohlin had only made her debut earlier that year in the Algarve Cup yet looked to be one of the best defenders in the tournament. Composed, great tackler, well-timed headers and also useful for set pieces. She certainly seemed far more composed than her age of twenty-six.
2011 I was just moving to Sweden, and again I found myself watching the world cup. This time, Sweden fared far better in the group stage, and once again Rohlin impressed especially partnered with Sara Larsson.
The following year I moved to Sweden and tried hard to find a men’s team to support. But being a lover of Chelsea football club there was no way that I could follow another team. It would be like cheating on the wife!
I found that Linköping had a lady’s team, and I started to go to some games. I was so happy to find that Charlotte “Lotta” Rohlin was captain. Was amazing to see her live! Over the coming months, I became a season ticket holder. Got to go to every game I could and also found something about the club that I could not believe.
Linköping FC was founded in 2003 when Kenty DFF women’s football team merged with the Linköping Ice Hockey team.
The most amazing thing of all is that Rohlin had been at Kenty DFF for a long time! Made her debut in football 1995 so this has marked twenty years of playing football for one club. If there is one thing that I have learned from women’s football is that it’s almost impossible for one player to stay with one team. Many players that I have gotten to know over the years play in several leagues for several teams.
Lotta is an exception. For one player to be at one club, her entire career is a magnificent achievement, 77 caps for her national team, over 200 appearances for Linköping FC. Lotta is certainly a born leader, influence on the pitch, and a leader off the field. She is, without question, the greatest player in Linköping’s history. It is still possible that Linköping may win the league. Today’s game will decide that. A win will keep the dream alive, and there will be no better way than to go into the last game against Rosengård!
But today is Lotta’s last game at home in a Linköping shirt. It maybe a new(ish) stadium but the atmosphere will never be better.
Even through injury Lotta would be at every game, she is not just a player, she is a fan. No matter what happens to our club, she will always be one of us!
An incredible legacy that will forever live on in the heart of the club. Players that have been lucky to have played with her have nothing but praise.
Caring team mate and friend, who always gave everything on the pitch
– Sofia Lundgen
Lotta is a true leader and a role model on the pitch, always giving a 100%, pushing her teammates and never giving up. I wish I had a Lotta in every team i play for…
– Linda Sällström
Made me feel welcome and I knew that I was playing with a leader both on and off the pitch. A true club legend
– Lisa De Vanna
She is a player who always gives the max, whether it is training or match. Outside, she is a person who laughs easily and that you can trust.
-Nilla Fischer
Charlotte “Lotta” Rohlin. On behalf of everyone at Linköping, we are going to miss you.
Our captain, our leader, our legend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpk2VCrgV1w
