A significant period in Finnish football came to an end when Anna Westerlund said on Sunday that he will end his playing career. Westerlund is the Finnish player who has played the most A national team matches, the defender played 147 national team games. In addition, he represented Finland in three European Championships for adults.
– When the season was still in progress, I had the goal to continue playing and maybe even try to go abroad again. But pretty soon one of my family members got cancer and a little later I found out that my club team (Åland United) didn’t want to keep me anymore, 33-year-old Westerlund told Pallloliitto in his YouTube video message. (you switch to another service)
Westerlund emphasizes to Urheilu that there were many reasons behind the decision to quit, and the cancer that appeared in close circles was not the only reason for leaving the playing fields. Now that the termination decision has had time to digest better, the solution still feels right.
– I can say that I am happy that the decision was so easy. I’m proud of everything I’ve done and grateful that I’ve been able to be involved for so long, Westerlund thinks.
Westerlund played the last years of his career in the colors of Åland United in his home country. Playing in Finland meant that you had to practice more in order to keep up with international games as well. Westerlund celebrated the Finnish Cup championship in the season that ended.
Passing Litmanen as the all-time leader in statistics
Westerlund passed in February Jari Litmanen as the footballer who has played the most international A matches in the Finnish shirt of all time, when he played his 138th international match against France in the Tournoi de France.
– I couldn’t have even dreamed of this when I first got into the national team. It was a big deal to make history when I broke the record this year. It does feel like Wow, I did it!
The Pargas IF native made his debut in the A national team at the age of 18, when Finland met China in Guangzhou in 2008.
– I don’t remember all the 147 international matches I played. But of course the value races are the biggest moments I remember. The 2009 European Championship at home, the 2013 European Championship in Sweden and now the last European Championship played in England, Westerlund recalls his top moments.
Last summer, Westerlund played in Helmareite’s first two European Championship games and assisted by Linda Sällström a historic quick European Championship opening goal against Spain.
Westerlund has also played in Sweden and Norway in his career.
– I didn’t win anything in Sweden, but it was nice to go abroad. In Norway I won five championships and four Cup championships. After that I returned to Finland, of course it’s different here, but I knew that. I am proud of the path I have chosen, Westerlund states.
It’s time for new bearers of responsibility at the helm
The Finnish women’s national team is in a transition phase. Swedish Anna Signeul was allowed to step down from the position of head coach, and was replaced Marko Saloranta. In addition to Westerlund, several other Helmarie credit players have also quit.
– Besides me Anna Auvinen, Essi Sainio and Tuija Hyyrynen have ended their careers. Now is the time for the younger ones to show what they can do. Finnish women’s football cannot just stand still, I hope we keep moving forward.
Westerlund recalls that just over ten years ago, the appreciation of women’s football was much lower than it is today.
– When I moved to Umeå in 2010, only Sweden and Germany invested in women’s football. But now more and more countries are investing in women’s football. Finland should also stay involved in the development, work is required so that Finland does not fall too far behind the others, Westerlund emphasizes.
The playing career is now over, what’s next?
– It is still open what will happen next year. I’ve always been a little afraid of the moment when it’s time to stop. Now the moment has also come, but I’m not afraid, I’m more looking forward to what’s next. I don’t really know what’s waiting behind the door.
– Now I just want to live a normal life. Of course, I’m going to follow the events of the football world, but at least I won’t apply for football right away.
Westerlund has had a good time in Åland and plans to stay there at least for a while.
– At the moment I am at home in Parais, with my mother and father. I’m going to spend my Christmas here. There really aren’t many plans. I just want to digest things and enjoy life, says Westerlund.