After heart problems, tired Graham Hansen takes international break

After heart problems, tired Graham Hansen takes international break

© AFP 2022
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:10 PM
Caroline Graham Hansen celebrating a goal against Wolfsburg in the Champions League semi-final in April, 2022.
Caroline Graham Hansen celebrating a goal against Wolfsburg in the Champions League semi-final in April, 2022.. Photo: LLUIS GENE / AFP
Source: AFP

Norway striker Caroline Graham Hansen announced on Wednesday she was taking a break from international football aged 27, blaming heart problems and exhaustion.

"After a year with heart problems and almost 50 matches, I still feel a fatigue that makes me choose to listen to my body. I need rest. I need to catch up," she wrote on Instagram.

The Barcelona star's announcement came a day after she was selected for the Norway squad to play World Cup qualifiers against Belgium on September 2 and Albania on September 6.

Hansen, who scored in the final as Barcelona won the 2021 Champions League, missed part of last season after suffering chest pains and a high heart rate during a club match last November.

She returned to finish the season as Barcelona reached the Champions League final again.

She played for Norway in their disastrous campaign at the European championships.

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Even though another star striker, Ada Hegerberg, returned after a five-year international break, the former world, European and Olympic champions failed to progress from their group.

They suffered a record 8-0 loss to England.

"The national team has been a part of my life since I was 16 years old. I have grown up here. I've had experiences, memories and friends for life. It's the proudest thing I've done in my career," she wrote.

"I hope that this is not a farewell."

Hansen scored 44 goals in 98 games for Norway.

After Euro 2022, Hege Riise relaced Martin Sjogren as coach.

"I am first of all sad but I also have respect for Caro and her health", Riise told Norwegian news agency NTB.

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© AFP 2022 photo
© AFP 2022