Lindelof named new Sweden captain

The 27-year-old succeeds Andreas Granqvist, who was selected as skipper for the Euros despite not featuring for the Scandinavians since 2019.

Instead, former Arsenal, Birmingham and Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson wore the armband during the tournament, as Janne Andersson's side made it to the round of 16 before being knocked out by Ukraine.

But Larsson, who is now 36, announced his international retirement last month, with fellow veterans Mikael Lustig and Marcus Berg following suit.

That leaves Lindelof, who has won 45 caps since making his debut in 2016, as one of the senior members of the side and his appointment was confirmed on Sweden's social media channels this morning (Wednesday).

Vår nya 𝗸𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗻! 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/7z7tnkUdw0

— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) August 11, 2021

Victor, who also appeared for the Scandinavians at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, was understandly proud at the news.

“It is a very great honour but also a great responsibility,” Victor said. “When I was growing up, I dreamed, just like all other young football players, of playing for Sweden.

“Every time I put on the blue and yellow shirt, I feel an enormous pride. To now be able to represent the country with the band around my arm will be very big for me.”

 

Only last week, Victor spoke to us about taking on a greater leadership role with United as he enters his fifth season with the club and now he will be even better positioned to do that.

“Of course, I want to take that role and become more of a leader and fight to help the younger guys to improve as well,” he said during our training camp in Scotland.

“I think it’s good in a team when you have a few players who can do that – to try to speak and demand a little bit more from the players. I try to do my bit there.”