Rohlin still hungry for Linköping success

Sunday's UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Brøndby IF may not have gone Linköpings FC stalwart Charlotte Rohlin's way, but she has no shortage of experience to draw on for Saturday's return.

Rohlin's 14th-minute own goal leaves the Swedish side with a 1-0 deficit to overturn in Denmark to reach their first European semi-final. Yet few will have harsh words for the 34-year-old Sweden defender, who has been with Linköping since 1995 (which was eight years before the club took their current name).

Over the winter Rohlin agreed another contract to herald her 20th season with Linköping and she spoke to UEFA.com about that feat, something she thinks may prove to be very rare in the future.

UEFA.com: Once again your contract has been extended here at Linköping. Are you looking forward to your 20th season?

Charlotte Rohlin: Yes, I am. I have not tired of football yet, especially now we are taking part in the Champions League. That is very special. Not every team gets the chance to play in the Champions League, so that is something special.

UEFA.com: Since your time as a girl here, how has the club developed and are you proud of it?

Rohlin: Very proud, of course. We've gone from not earning any money at all to playing at this new and fresh arena, and we have many girls who can actually make a living from this. It is amazing that the club have had such a development, and for me it is nice to have been part of that.

Disappointment for Rohlin as Brøndby score©Getty Images

UEFA.com: As well as playing, you have another role at the club ...

Rohlin: I work a bit in PR, just a couple of hours a day. I try to get some money into the club so that we can remain in business and that more girls can devote all their time to football. I call companies to see if they want to sponsor us, and that way try to get them to work with us. Of course that can also be private individuals, not just companies. In short, I try to get the club some money.

UEFA.com: If we take a look at women's football – do you think players in the future will also spend their career at just one club?

Rohlin: I have difficulties imagining that. There are many good leagues, both here and in other parts of the world, so I think many players want to try and play in other countries because the culture and the game differ a bit from each other. I can't imagine players will play for just one club for their whole career.