Svensson retires from Swedish national team

While rarely making headlines, Svensson was the mainstay of Sweden's midfield for more than a decade. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Sweden’s most-capped player, midfielder Anders Svensson, is quitting the national team.

After scoring 21 goals in 148 matches for Sweden, the 37-year-old Svensson said Thursday “it’s time to step aside and leave room for younger players who are knocking on the door to the national team.”

While rarely making headlines, Svensson was the mainstay of Sweden’s midfield for more than a decade.

His most important goal for Sweden was a free kick against Argentina in the 2002 World Cup. The game ended 1-1, sending Argentina out of the tournament and Sweden through to the knockout phase.

Svensson said he will continue playing club football for Elfsborg in the Swedish Allsvenskan league.

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