Hearts star reveals emotional goal tribute to grandmother as he nets crucial double on day of funeral
The midfielder emotionally discussed the hardship of his last few weeks as he featured for Hearts on a difficult day for his family.
In an emotional statement, Hearts midfielder Sander Kartum explained why he celebrated his goal against Dundee in the Scottish Cup.
The Norwegian midfielder joined for the Jambos in the winter transfer window. With a double in Friday night’s 3-1 victory over the Dark Blues in the Scottish Cup quarterfinals, he showed off the quality in his locker. He will play at Hampden next month against Aberdeen, Celtic or Hibs, and Livingston or St Johnstone.
His first goal in the first half was a superb curling effort into the top corner. Then after half-time, he dribbled
forward and then with the outside of his boot, sliced the ball past goalkeeper Trevor Carson with expert precision to send Hearts into the Scottish Cup final four.
It was a difficult day for his family and Kartum on a personal note, as his grandmother’s funeral took place back home. He unveiled a shinpad with a message after his brace and post-match, candidly opened up on how he’s dealt with coping with the passing of a close relative.
“I wanted to get off to a good start, and getting two goals was really special,” Kartum stated. It was to honour my grandmother (Ragnhild), who died last week, and she had a funeral today, so I missed it, so just to honour her. I had to play the game since I couldn’t go. It was a tough few weeks. She died last week, so it was good to get two goals and honour her.
It was a very special moment for my family to watch. It’s hard to discuss, but she is a unique individual. I try to honour her when I get the goal, so it was good. To get the first goal as well, good passing speeds and good control up in the corner. For the second goal, I attempt to shoot past the defender’s legs. I don’t usually use my right foot, so I have to use my outside left foot, and it works out.”
Hampden target
With a spot at the national stadium booked, Kartum says silverware is on his mind at Hearts. The club would undoubtedly love to have him return in May for a chance at glory, as he has already visited Hampden once as part of the routine medical examinations upon arrival in Gorgie. “I’m excited to play at Hampden,” Kartum stated. I’ve been there, just looked at the stadium once before I signed, and it’s a special stadium. I’m looking forward to getting to the semi-final, and hopefully we get a good draw.
“Back in Norway? This is the longest I’ve been because I don’t believe I’ve played quarterfinals as much. In this kind of club, such as a large club, you have to go for it. We strive to fight in order to win trophies. Hopefully, we get a good draw in the semi-finals because this year’s cup is special for us to play in and we can win. I came for pre-season in Norway to settle down here, and now I’ve trained for two months, and the physical is getting better. I believe I’m a good fit for Scottish football.
