Mellberg won't retire

Defender and manager both insist they will stay on

By James Dall & Kent Hedlundh   Last updated: 19th June 2008

Olof Mellberg Russia v Sweden Euro 2008

Mellberg: No retirement plans

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Olof Mellberg has insisted he has no plans to retire from international football following Sweden's Euro 2008 exit.

An aging Sweden squad failed to claim the point against Russia that would have seen them progress to the last eight of the tournament.

Veteran striker Henrik Larsson has already stated that he will not be standing down, and Mellberg, 30, has echoed his compatriot's commitment to the cause.

Mellberg, who will join Juventus from Aston Villa in the summer, said: "When you lose, go out of a tournament or struggle, it is disappointing but I always felt it is an honour to play for the national team.

"You want to pay back everything the nation has given you. So it's just a case of fighting back, and if the manager picks me, I'll be there to give 100 per cent.

Lagerback future

"We've always had a few changes in the squad, from qualification to the championships. We've got a fairly old squad but I think there are quite a few years left in quite a few of us.

"Experience is important but obviously you need some younger blood as well."

Meanwhile, Lars Lagerback is adamant he will stay on as manager of the Sweden national side.

"There is nothing to discuss, we have a got a contract which expires in 2010," he told Radiosporten.