Sweden's 30-year-old striker Henrik Larsson announced his retirement from international football after his side out of the 2002 World Cup second round with a 2-1 defeat to the tournament's debutants Senegal on Sunday.
"I'm finished, there will be no more," Larsson, who has scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for his country, told reporters.
"I've been thinking about it for a while, and now my family must come first," he added. "It's hard to leave the family at home for long periods, and the travelling is tough."
Larsson scored a goal for Sweden in the match against Senegal, which gave his side a 1-0 lead. Altogether, he has collected three goals in this World Cup finals.
Larsson, who has two young children, said he will continue to play club football with Scottish premier league champions Celtic.
He said he did not want to stay on for the European championship in 2004.
Editor: May
Source: Xinhua
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