Svensson returns home

Anders Svensson will leave Southampton at the end of the current season.

The midfielder had been angling for a move away from St. Mary's for some time, and after playing 90 minutes for Sweden against France on Wednesday, tied up the loose ends of a four-and-a-half year deal.

The 28-year-old was never able to replicate his impressive international form under multiple managers on the South Coast, and the recent arrival of Harry Redknapp did nothing to persuade him to persevere with English football.

Svensson spent three-and-a-half years with Saints and will leave at the end of this season representing something of a lost talent, although the player was desperate to move to enjoy his football.

"All I want to do is to feel good and feel at home but I will play with Southampton until my contract expires," Svensson said.

Elfsborg will no doubt be delighted to secure the signature of a player of Svensson's calibre, and sporting director Stefan Andreasson promised him a central function in the Swedish side.

"Anders feels that there is a lot of pressure on him, but that he's definitely up for it, and that this can inspire him," said Andreasson.

"He wants to do well and he knows that he'll have a free role in the heart of the midfield."