© Reuters 2002

STOCKHOLM, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Stefan Schwarz, the Sunderland midfielder who retired from Sweden's national team last year, has ruled out an international return at this year's World Cup.

"No. It's Sunderland for me," Schwarz was quoted as saying by the Swedish daily newspaper Aftonbladet on Friday. Schwarz ended a 12-year international career last August that had earned him 69 caps, citing a string of injuries he had picked up with Sweden.

Swedish players and media commentators have suggested that the former Arsenal player's knowledge of premier league football could also be useful to the Swedes at the World Cup.

Sweden have been drawn with England - along with Argentina and Nigeria - in their World Cup group at the finals.