Filip Helander is delighted with how things are going for him since that Rangers departure with the now-Odense Boldklub defender returning to the Sweden fold this month.
Back in the national team set-up for the first time since March 2022, Filip Helander is putting those traumatic final few months at Rangers behind him, and you’d need a heart of stone to begrudge him that.
Helander’s final 12 months at Ibrox were wrecked by injury. But, starting each of Odense Boldklub’s last four league games over in Denmark, a re-call to the Sweden squad after 19 months away is testament not only to Helander’s enduring quality but also his rock-solid mentality.
Lesser men may have been broken by the trials and tribulations the 30-year-old was forced to face in Glasgow. But Helander deals with problems off the pitch just like he deals with him on it. Head-first and head-strong.
Former Rangers defender Filip Helander back for Sweden
“I wanted to find a club where there was potential and where I felt I had a good chance to get started and play matches,” Helander tells SvenskFotboll, opting for OB despite rumours of an emotional return to Malmo.
“And I have got that (in Denmark). I am happy with my choice of club.
“The best thing is the feeling of winning football matches. The bonds you create by winning, celebrating together and feeling satisfied… There’s not much that beats that, and I’ve missed that. I have also missed the adrenaline rush before matches.”
Helander has earned 19 caps for Sweden. And the belated number 20 could come tonight, the Scandinavian’s hosting Moldova in a friendly.
First call-up in 19 months
“Coming back here (into the international set-up) has been one of the goals I set (for myself),” adds the former Bologna man, who joined Rangers in a £3 million deal back in 2019.
‘Everyone who is here loves to play for Sweden. It is an honour. We have a very good community. It’s something you miss when you can’t be there.”
