Sweden's most-capped player Caroline Seger broke down in tears in Wellington on Wednesday as she described her battle to recover from injury in time for her country's opening Women's World Cup game against South Africa.
The affable 38-year-old has avoided speaking to the media as she dealt with stubborn calf problems ahead of the tournament, and she struggled to retain her composure at a press conference as she revealed how tough the road back has been.
"When I have felt that I am on the way back, I've had something happen that has caused me to back up again. Time runs away," she said, her voice faltering before the tears flowed.
"One should think of fun things when one is sad," she said as she composed herself before continuing. "I never thought that I would miss so many matches, I didn't see that coming. It's been a bad period."
Seger came on as a second-half substitute in Sweden's friendly against Norway in April, but had to be replaced shortly afterwards as her injury problems flared up again.
She has barely played for her club side FC Rosengard since, but Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson decided it was worth the risk to include her in his 23-player World Cup squad, even if there was no guarantee she would be fit in time.
Since making her international debut in 2005, Seger has been a key player in Sweden's midfield, racking up 235 international appearances, and her calmness and ability to take control of a game has allowed those around her to flourish.
Though Sweden have never won a major tournament, Seger can boast two Olympic silver medals (2016 and 2020) and two World Cup bronze medals (2011 and 2019), and she revealed that the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand - her fifth - will also be her last.
"The World Cup has been my goal all this time, to be there and be able to train and play football again is everything I've ever wanted. I'm super-proud of the journey I have had," Seger said.
"It's about getting the only medal I am missing – to be here with this national team, this is my last chance. I won't be playing any more World Cups," she added.
Sweden kick off their group G campaign against South Africa in Wellington on Sunday before taking on Italy and Argentina.