Emil Krafth has admitted he’s not sure if he’ll cry like he did when he said goodbye to Newcastle, when he does the same with Sweden in the next international break.

Krafth is set to say goodbye to Sweden next week. On Friday, the Swedish Football Association announced that he and four other players – Emil Forsberg, Robin Olsen, Martin Olsson, Viktor Claesson – will be honoured before bidding farewell following the Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Krafth, who left Newcastle in the summer and remains a free agent, had not previously made the announcement public.

He will end his international career on 52 appearances. The plan is for the next generation to step into his shoes.

Tears on the way

The former Newcastle defender is confident that the decision is the right one. But he can’t guarantee that he won’t cry when the moment comes.

That’s something which he’s already experienced. When he bid Newcastle farewell earlier this year, the tears were plentiful.

“It feels like the right decision,” he told Sportbladet.

“I want to continue playing football at a high level, but it’s time for a new generation to take over in the national team.

“The players have performed very well under a new head coach who has done an excellent job and brought Sweden back to the basics.

“I can’t promise that I won’t cry. It’s going to be an emotional moment, standing there with the players I’ve shared so much with—those still in the national team, some of the staff, and our fantastic fans… well, you can probably tell.

“I can already feel that it’s going to be special—but also a lot of fun. Especially since there are several of us being honoured at the same time.”

Strong as an ox

For now, the focus is on reflection and finding a new club. He’s yet to find a new club after leaving Newcastle in the summer.

That’s probably due to the knee surgery he underwent in February, after already suffering from two knee injuries across 20225 that saw him miss 97 days and 26 games combined.

He insists he’s over that problem – “I’m as strong as an ox” – and that clubs have been in touch with him.

“There’s interest from both Swedish and international clubs,” he added.

“Since I’m a free agent, discussions have even taken place outside of the official transfer windows. I’m not closing any doors—whether in Sweden or abroad.

“It has to feel right from a footballing perspective, and it also has to work for my family situation. Everyone needs to be happy and doing well.”