A DAY'S MARCH: Did you ever think about what you'd do if football hadn't worked out? – Honestly? No. I always believed I'd be a pro. 
 A DAY'S MARCH: How was it coming back to Sweden after so many years abroad? – It was weird. I lived abroad from 2008 to 2023 — 15 years. I visited Stockholm often, but moving back was different. Life in Italy and Germany was quieter, almost like a never-ending vacation – especially once I had my wife and kids. Back here, my social life exploded – friends, family, endless things to do. It's fun but way more intense. A DAY'S MARCH: Did you socialize much with teammates abroad? – Sometimes. When I was younger, the language barrier was more challenging. I've always been fine alone — I'd rather be by myself than hang out to avoid loneliness. But, of course, I had good relationships with some teammates and families. A DAY'S MARCH: What do you think football taught you that helps outside sports? – Teamwork — how powerful a tight group with a shared goal can be. Everyone needs to feel important. That applies anywhere — workplaces, friendships, life. Also, understanding different cultures and personalities. You meet people from everywhere in a team. Knowing how to treat people differently but fair is valuable. A DAY'S MARCH: Speaking of leadership, you've often had that role. Why do you think that is? – I've been a captain since I was a kid at Brommapojkarna. I think it's about leading by example — working hard, staying positive, not just complaining, and having good chemistry with everyone. I've always been well-liked in locker rooms — a mix of being a leader and someone people can joke around with. I don't think I've made many enemies, if any.

A DAY'S MARCH: A friend thinks football is full of toxic macho ideals. With a kind of inverted Billy Elliot philosophy, he has tried to refrain his sons from playing football. Is he wrong? – Honestly? I think he's wrong. He's generalizing. Football is no worse than any other industry — banking, offices, whatever. It depends more on upbringing and values than the sport itself. Football can teach responsibility and inclusion. A DAY'S MARCH: Do you notice differences in culture—like Sweden vs. Italy—when it comes to macho attitudes? – For sure. The better the league and the more money involved, the bigger the egos. In Sweden, players are pretty grounded. In Italy, it was more macho, more of that locker-room bravado. A DAY'S MARCH: You also spoke to the European Parliament about homophobia in football. What made you speak up? – A journalist asked me why there are so few openly gay male players. I figured it was fear — of insults from teammates, fans, and social media. It's a harsh environment. I wanted to say that if someone came out on my team, I'd treat them like anyone else. Of course, some people supported it; others attacked me online. But it was necessary. I hope it helped. A DAY’S MARCH: Was there support from teammates? 
– Yeah, I think so, especially in Sweden. Italy still has a way to go. But mostly, people appreciated that someone took the initiative.

A DAY’SMARCH: Growing up in a family of journalists and academics — were you the black sheep choosing football? 
– Not really. My dad always thought journalism was the best job, but he's been super proud of my career. It brought him a lot of joy. A DAY’S MARCH: It seems like being a footballer today means more than being good at football — you must build a personal brand, look good, and have a social media presence. Do you feel that pressure? – It's become like that for all public figures. Social media brings opportunities — sponsors and partnerships. But I never entirely went into that. I haven't cared enough about growing my following or personal brand. A DAY’S MARCH: Is that a conversation with agents — shaping your public image? – Yeah, it comes up. The better you are, the more companies want to use your star power. But it fades fast if things aren't going well. I've been pretty lazy about it. A DAY’S MARCH: Is this all David Beckham's fault? – (Laughs) Probably Beckham and Ljungberg. They were pioneers. Everyone dreams of fronting a Calvin Klein campaign like them.

A DAY’S MARCH: Since we're a clothing brand — what role do clothes and style play in your life? – I’ve always cared about how I dress. Maybe less now — priorities change with age — but I still enjoy mixing styles. When I was young and started making money in Italy, I went wild shopping. Some of those clothes I still have — true quality lasts. A DAY’S MARCH: Is there anything you always carry or wear? – A watch. Always. I rotate between a few. I'm not really into jewelry — the watch is my main accessory. A DAY’S MARCH: After all these years, what's something you wish you knew when you started? – The cliché answer: hard work. But also — having fun matters. The better you feel, the better you play. It's just football at the end of the day — not life or death. Enjoy it. A DAY’S MARCH: It must have been an enormous pressure when you signed with Juventus at 18. – For sure. You ride the high for a while — but then reality hits. That's when the real work starts — staying in the game and improving. Talent isn't enough. Discipline is what keeps you going.

A DAY’S MARCH: Do you think many talented players fail because they lack that discipline? – Absolutely. I've seen tons of players with more talent than me fall short. Discipline is everything, staying focused and working hard even when motivation slips. A DAY’S MARCH: Did you ever work with sports psychologists? – Not really in Italy. But with the Swedish national team, we had a mental coach available every camp. Some used it, some didn't. I mostly worked on that stuff with my wife or friends, being kinder to myself. A DAY’S MARCH: Last two quick ones — what do you do too much of? 
– I spend too much time on my phone. And I overthink. A DAY’S MARCH: And too little of? – Living in the moment and taking life a bit less seriously.