– This is naturally a life crisis for me. I’ve been playing soccer every day since I learned to walk, and I certainly wasn’t ready to give up. Now everything is taken from me. The football career is over, says Stefan Strandberg to Vålerengas websites.
The Oslo club, which was relegated from the Eliteserien last season, writes in a press release that the centre-back was affected by a life-threatening blood clot in his left leg.
It has ensured an abrupt and unexpected end to the 33-year-old’s career as a footballer.
– I was ready to fight for Vålerenga and the national team, and this is a big shock. Right now I’m just happy to be alive, but need time to let everything sink in, says Strandberg.
Vålerenga’s doctor, Erik Rosenlund, says in the press release from Vålerenga that a complication occurred when the Vålerenga captain underwent surgery for prolapse in his back before Christmas.
The plan was for him to start training at the beginning of February, but now instead awaits a long rehabilitation that also involves medication for the rest of his life.
STRONGER: Stefan Strandberg has recovered from a very serious situation, but must take medication for the rest of his life.
Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB
– Lots of shiny eyes
Strandberg himself visited Vålerenga’s home pitch in Valle on Tuesday, where he communicated the news directly to coaches and players.
– It is a sad day. Of course, our thoughts go out to Stefan and his family, who have been through some very demanding days and weeks, says Vålerenga coach Geir Bakke to NRK.
VIF COACH: Geir Bakke tells of an emotional, wistful and sad day.
Photo: NTB
– It was a shock. A very, very big shock. At least considering how serious this has been. Fortunately, it now sounds like things are going well, fortunately, but there was a lot to take in, says Christian Borchgrevink to NRK.
The Vålerenga camp meets NRK outside the dressing room just over half an hour after Strandberg visited, and they talk about a distinguished group of players.
– Of course it was emotional, wistful and sad at the same time to hear Stefan tell his story, and that he has to stop playing football – which is, in a way, his identity and what he loves most in this world apart from his family, says Ground.
– Right now everyone has had more than enough to gather. I hope we players can support each other, because it is tough to see a friend go through and struggle with this, says Borchgrevink and continues:
– There were many blank eyes. It was just so real and very sensitive. It says something about Stefan that he wants to come and tell us directly.
Solbakken: – He is a fighter
National team coach Ståle Solbakken tells NRK that he has visited Strandberg’s home. Then they had a good talk.
– It’s boring not being able to end your career on your own terms. He is obviously way down now, but he is strong. He will probably get through this too, says Solbakken.
The national team coach, who has used Strandberg more or less regularly for Norway, describes Strandberg as a “fighter”.
– This was, after all, a life-threatening situation, and he won that battle. That is the most important thing. He has always played with his heart on the shirt. He has experienced several injuries throughout his career but has always recovered. He is a fighter, says Solbakken.
Strandberg was given his national team debut by Per-Mathias Høgmo in November 2013. He played a total of 36 matches with the Norwegian flag on his chest, and also played for several age-specific national teams.
Leo Østigård has been a stopper partner with Strandberg in the last international matches.
– It’s scary and no fun. Life is brutal, and things turn quickly. It is extremely sad and a painful day, but I am very happy that it has gone well, says the Napoli star to NRK.
STOPPING PARTNERS: Stefan Strandberg and Leo Østigård have played twelve matches together.
Photo: BILDBYRÅN
– Stefan and I have had a fantastic relationship. He is a good friend and took me well into the group when I arrived. Stoppermakker is about chemistry and we have had that. He has been like a father to me. He has taught me everything and we have shared both ups and downs together. Stefan is fantastic, and I want to thank him for what he has taught me, continues Østigård.
The 24-year-old is clear that the playing group will miss Strandberg in the national team meetings.
– We are losing a type of leader. He is a leader for us and it will be a great loss for the whole group. He has learned a lot and we must take those things forward. He has always done his part and has nothing to regret.
WORKED CLOSE: Ståle Solbakken and Stefan Strandberg, here during a national team gathering.
Photo: BILDBYRÅN
– Shocking
– It is sad to hear. I wish him and his family a speedy recovery. It sounds urgent and serious, says NRK’s football expert Carl-Erik Torp, who himself knows what it is like to have an abrupt end to his career. Torp himself had to give up after he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2011.
For Torp, it led to an identity crisis, but right now he only wants the best for Strandberg and those around him.
SAD: Carl-Erik Torp.
Photo: Birk Pessl-Kleiven / NRK
– It’s always the worst way to start, but it’s nothing to think about at the moment. This is an acute situation and serious illness. The consequences of giving up are not that important, says Torp.
NRK’s football expert and Viking player Kristoffer Løkberg was, like most others, taken to bed by the news.
– It is shocking. I’m glad it sounds like it’s going well. The most important thing is that he is doing well. It is naturally sad for him that he has to retire, says Løkberg, who himself has played against Strandberg many times.
SHOCKED: Kristoffer Løkberg.
Photo: Carina Johansen / NTB
– When his health improves and everything comes to an end, he will look back on a fantastic career of which he can be proud. He probably has plenty of opportunities to contribute on other fronts in life eventually. But above all, it is important that he is doing well in terms of health, says Løkberg.
Wants a role in football
Strandberg, who last year also became a father for the first time, says that his life has been turned upside down in a short time.
– But I have good supporters and want a role in football in the future as well. The immediate future is about processing what has happened, and spending the period ahead with my loved ones, says Strandberg.
HARD SEASON: The 2023 season was a tough one for Stefan Strandberg. The Vålerenga captain experienced relegation with the Oslo club.
Photo: Beate Oma Dahle / NTB
The relegation season in 2023 was a tough one for Strandberg. Throughout the season, Vålerenga’s most high-profile player was constantly criticized.
Several thought he should not play for the Norwegian national team.
Before Christmas, he dealt forcefully with the criticism.
Vålerenga’s sporting director, Joacim Jonsson, says the capital club has lost its captain and mainstay. Strandberg originally had a player contract until 2024. He says that the club will stand for the contractual obligations and support Strandberg.
– The most important thing is that it didn’t get any worse with Stefan. He has had a fantastic career, and we want to thank him for his efforts on the pitch.
Strandberg ends a long career in which he has played for clubs such as Vålerenga, Rosenborg, Krasnodar, Hannover 96 and Salernitana.
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