Southampton defender Michael Svensson has called time on his playing career following a series of injuries.
Saints favourite calls time on distinguished career
Southampton defender Michael Svensson has called time on his playing career following a series of injuries.
The 33-year-old former Sweden international surprised everyone at St Mary's at the start of last season when he made a return from a knee problem that had sidelined him for the best part of three years.
Svensson struggled with an Achilles injury for much of the campaign though, before establishing himself as a member of manager Mark Wotte's coaching team.
Although loath to hang up his boots, Svensson admits the time is now right having endured five operations over the past couple of years.
Hard decision
"It's been in my mind for a while but it's hard to give it up," he told the club's
official website.
"I've tried everything possible to give me a chance to play again, but it hasn't quite happened.
"I was on the beach last month in Cyprus and I felt great and thought about giving it another go, but then you have to be realistic and accept that all good things must eventually come to an end.
"I was delighted when Southampton signed me. I said 'Yes' straight away and I haven't looked back. I've got some fantastic memories but now I have to look at the long term picture and look further ahead.
"I don't really know what the future holds, but I would like to carry on as a coach and it would be fantastic to be able to do that with Southampton."
