Thomas Nordahl, son of Gunnar Nordahl and later successful soccer player and TV pundit, has known Kurre Hamrin for most of his life.
– He was very prominent in the WC in 1958 and has meant a great deal to Swedish football. I just spoke to Italy here and they said now the last of the big five from the 1950s is gone. Then they thought of Gre-No-Li, Neck and Kurre. I’m quite taken, says Nordahl to SVT Sport.
Nordahl tells about how Hamrin, who was called “L’uccelino”, the little bird, became a legend in Italy and above all in Florence.
– He was one of the biggest and most loved players by the supporters, says Nordahl.
Thomas Nordahl during the Sports Gala on 21 January 2019 in Stockholm Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN
“A fond memory”
How was your own relationship with Hamrin?
– I was a little boy when he came down to Italy, but you sometimes met at holidays and things like that. I may not remember that much, but I do remember how kindly he received me and the rest of the team when we were down there doing a report. The first thing that comes to mind is during a recording when me, him and Gabriel Batistuta stood and juggled the ball. It is a fond memory, says Nordahl.
How will you remember him?
– Above all his kindness on the sidelines and as a footballer he was one of the really, really greats, says Nordahl.
Svensson: “Very big impression”
Even Tommy Svensson, the national team captain who won the WC bronze in 1994, knew Kurre Hamrin privately.
– I visited him in Italy in Florence where he lived and had, and still have contact with, Marianne (his wife) on social media. It was sad news, although it was not entirely unexpected.
Owe Ohlsson played with Kurre Hamrin during the legendary WC summer of 1958.
– Right now it feels incredibly difficult, actually, he tells TT and continues:
– He turned 89 in November and then I sent him a greeting. Now it’s just me left.
Tommy Svensson during the Football Gala 2014 Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN
Kurt “Kurre” Hamrin is dead
Hamrin was 89 years old. Share your memories of the football legend here.
3 min
Sven • The Lyres of the Lyres have moved on
A greater example of how the world’s best game can be played is hard to find nowadays
3 min
Ole • The technical football has become less today, it is the physical performance that is prioritized.
8 min
Ugh so boring, I’ve been to the stadium in Florence. He is an icon for football. • January
8 min
Pole-A • What does Zlatan say? Both have played with Milan. If anyone can tell me how big Kurre is/was. The memory of our Italy-loving football star is said to be strong in his second homeland. Arrivederci Kurre!
14 min
Jan Ahrén • Another fine man has passed away. He meant a lot to Swedish and Italian football. Rest in peace Curre !!
16 min
Wera • It is with sadness in the heart that one receives the death notice. A fine man, a football virtuoso, one of Swedish football’s most famous and exalted players.
24 min
Kalle Lundman • A fine person and a legend have passed away. Thanks for everything Kurre! Be sure to dribble away some firecrackers in the sky.
24 min
Empty • One of the very largest. He should be honored with a statue or does one already exist? I hope you are reporting from Italy. That country is also in mourning now, I imagine.
25 min
Sebbe • Very sad to hear, feels as if many football legends have passed away recently. Kurre is one of these, rest in peace.
27 min
Bengt • Don’t forget the goal against West Germany every 10 years, one of our biggest