Milan-owned striker Emil Roback explains what happened when he went missing for two weeks from his loan club IFK Norrkoping. ‘Some thought I had been kidnapped.’
The 20-year-old vanished from training and could not be contacted by anyone in his inner circle, causing a great deal of worry and fear that something bad had happened to him.
After Norrkoping made a public appeal for information, Roback returned to base and reassured everyone.
He has now spoken to Aftonbladet and tried to explain what caused him to essentially run away.
“I felt that my head was not in the right place. It was as if I had retreated into myself. Obviously, I know it was not the best thing to do in those circumstances, but that’s what happened. It was no fun for me either, obviously.
“I realise people thought I had disappeared and effectively that is what happened. Many people contacted me to ask if I was ok, or some even thought I had been kidnapped.”
Roback had made a big impression in the Milan youth academy and was about to break into the senior squad when he was sent on loan to get more regular playing time.
He admits the situation caught him by surprise too and he is still not clear what triggered these feelings.
“I never felt like this before, perhaps it was a type of depression. I feel better now, though. I am back and will try to make the best of this situation to get back to what I know I can do. I still have big objectives in football.”
This is the second loan spell for Roback, who had also played for Nordsjaelland and is due to return to Milan in December.