Jesper Björkman, 30, has a football career that includes games in both the Allsvenskan and the Superettan behind him.
The former centre-back has represented Helsingborgs IF, Ängelholms FF, Gefle IF, AFC Eskilstuna and Akropolis IF.
A year ago, however, Björkman announced that he had been affected by the disease ALS – which forced him to end his career.
In an interview with South Sweden Björkman now tells us about life with the disease.
– I would be lying if I said it was good. It’s totally okay, often tough but often good. A roller coaster. ALS does a lot to me, says Björkman about his condition.
During the past year, Björkman has been helped by assistants for everyday tasks.
– It would be good and I have to process that it will probably be like that in the near future, but I want to eat naturally as long as I can, he says and continues:
– I can’t share my food, basically can’t shower by myself. I can’t get dressed or undressed. I practice acceptance.
This weekend, Helsingborg hosts Utsiktens BK at Olympia. Björkman will enter the field before kick-off to receive applause from the crowd.
– Mixed feelings. I’m a little worried about how I’ll cope with everything mentally. Just when I think about it, I am touched by how nice it is, he says to Sydsvenskan and continues:
I make sure to prepare as well as possible.
– It feels like I’m going to play a big and important match. I make sure to prepare as well as I can so that I am ready when the day is here. It will be an emotional discharge.