Mjallby - playing on till 2006 World Cup (Allsport)

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Johan Mjallby has decided not to follow Celtic and Sweden team-mate Henrik Larsson into international retirement.

The 31-year-old defender was unsure of his future with the squad following Sweden's World Cup defeat to Senegal but his family, and the good time he had in Japan, have convinced him to stay on for another two years.

"The reason behind my uncertainty was because I wanted to talk to my family first," Mjallby told Expressen.

"It's very tough on the body when there are so many matches and so much travelling involved. I knew that it could be a stressful autumn with both the Champions League and the European Championship qualifiers.

"However, the World Cup in Japan has given me a really big lift. I've decided to carry on with the national squad for another two years. I'll turn up if I'm selected and I've set my sights on the European Championships in 2004."

Mjallby admits, though, it will be difficult to talk Henrik Larsson to come out of retirement and join him in the squad again.

"I can try. No one would be happier than me if he changed his mind. But if I know "Henke", he'll stick with his decision. You have to do what you feel is right."

When he has retired from international football, Mjallby says he then intends to end his career in Scotland.

"I've planned for four more years with Celtic," he said.

"Then I'll finish my professional career in 2006 at 35, although naturally it all depends on whether I can steer clear of injuries."