Freddie allays quit fears

Freddie Ljungberg says playing for his country is 'the biggest honour'.

The midfielder has been in tremendous form this season, and has been Arsenal's best performer as well as starring for the international side.

Two goals against Bulgaria at the weekend have further cemented his place as a key player for his country, and the 27-year-old said that representing Sweden was an unrivalled honour.

Whilst deliberating on the careers of such players as Dennis Bergkamp and Paul Scholes who have retired from the international stage, Ljungberg put such choices down to mounting injuries sustained due to lengthy club campaigns.

"They have unfortunately been forced to do it since there are many matches for the clubs," Ljungberg told Sportbladet.

"They have had many minor injuries which have made them worn out.

"But look at Bergkamp and Scholes who have stopped in the national team, they have raised their game for the clubs.

"That is not a coincidence, but it is because they are feeling more fresh.

"At the same time it is a very difficult decision to take, I have talked to Bergkamp about it.

"The feeling to represent your country is very strong, it is the biggest honour you can get."

Although the Arsenal star acknowledged that he may not make the World Cup in South Africa in five years, he declared that if he still felt capable of making a contribution he would continue in the Sweden shirt.

"It's quite far until then [2010], I have always said that when the motivation is gone, I will stop playing football," Ljungberg continued.

"But when that will be, I don't know. A lot depends if the body can cope with it.

"I am aware that I am playing in a tough league where you get many blows.

"As long as I feel I can add something to the side I play for, and don't have problems with injuries, I will continue to play.

"I never said that I would quit playing for the national team.

"The opposite, I feel we played well on Saturday and I really am looking forward to the 2006 World Cup."