A former Arsenal player has been named the new Chief of Football for the Swedish FA.

The ex-midfielder will take up the position as part of a new organisation overseen by general secretary Andrea Mollerberg.

This new position will come into effect from the start of January.

A former Arsenal player has been appointed as the new Chief of Football for the Swedish FA

As reported by the Swedsh FA, Kallstrom said: ‘The reason why I take this role is because I have been passionate about Swedish football since I was little and it has been an honor to play for the Swedish national team. It is an incredible opportunity to receive this trust after a career as a player.

‘I have my thoughts on what needs to be done, but there may be employees who have other ideas. It becomes super important to listen to others who have experiences that I myself do not have.’

Sweden are looking to improve after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. They were also relegated to Group C in the UEFA Nations League. Their last appearance at a major tournament was at Euro 2020, where they were knocked out at the round of 16 stage. 

Coach Janne Andersson, who had been in charge since 2016, announced that he would step down after Sweden’s failure to reach Euro 2024. 

Kim Kallstrom, who had a loan spell at Arsenal in 2014, will take up the position with Sweden

Janne Andersson stepped down as Sweden coach following the failure to reach Euro 2024

Kallstrom is the fifth most capped Swedish player of all time having made 131 appearances for his country between 2001 and 2016. He scored 16 international goals and was in the squad for five major tournaments. 

In January 2014 Kallstrom joined Arsenal on loan from Spartak Moscow for the rest of the season despite a back injury being discovered during his medical.

Kallstrom played just four games for Arsenal but notably scored a penalty in the shootout in the FA Cup semi-final win against Wigan. Arsenal went on to win the FA Cup, ending their nine-year trophy drought.

In addition, Kallstrom played for BK Hacken, Rennes, Lyon and Grasshoppers. He had two spells at Djurgardens and finished his career at the club in 2017.

Kallstrom made 131 appearances for Sweden between 2001 and 2016, scoring 16 goals