Former Arsenal forward Lina Hurtig has revealed that she considered quitting football as her injury-hit spell at the Emirates led to mental health problems.
The 29-year-old signed for the Gunners from Juventus in 2022 and proved a quality addition when fit, but saw her involvement limited by persistent back injuries.
In three seasons with the club, she managed just 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven times.
The Sweden international, named in the Blågult squad for Euro 2025, penned a three-year deal to return to Serie A with Fiorentina last week.
Hurtig had also cited ‘personal issues’ as an explanation for her extended absences, and has now shed new light on her mental health struggles.
“It was hard, it was the toughest period of my life,” she said, speaking from the Sweden training camp. “I would never play football again, it was at that level.
“I don't really want to go into the details, but it has been building up over a long time. In the end, it just couldn't go any further.”
She continued, thanking her Arsenal teammates and coaching staff for their support before citing the impending European Championships as a helpful motivator.
“It took time, but in the end I found my way back to myself and to the joy of football. And to life in some way.
“I enjoy every training session and think it's fun. Sitting here now and playing in the European Championship is extra big for me.
“Then there comes a time when you slowly but surely find yourself again and realize that ‘damn, football is pretty fun anyway’.”
Sweden will meet Scandinavian rivals Denmark in their Euro 2025 opener, with Germany and Poland completing the group.
