Andersson's deal with the Catalan giants terminates at the end of the 2003/04 campaign and he has decided that will be the time to hang up his boots.

The 31-year-old has endured a torrid time with injuries since moving to Camp Nou from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2001.

He is still returning to full fitness after making his Barca comeback from a persistent knee injury in February but is reticent about continuing to push himself.

Andersson currently intends to return to his homeland when his Barca deal expires and has no plans to ply his trade in the lower leagues.

"I have learnt that you cannot predict the future and to plan for the short-term," said Andersson.

"I have got a contract until 2004 and, as it feels today, I will probably stop with football then.

"I am not intending to play anywhere in Sweden, not even in the lower divisions but the plan is to move back home to Sweden to give the children the opportunity to go to a Swedish school."

Before stepping out of the footballing limelight, Andersson also revealed he may consider an international comeback with the Swedish national team.

Andersson was bitterly disappointed to end his national career on a sour note after failing to figure in last summer's World Cup due to injury and has hinted at a return to the Swedish fold.

He added to Sportbladet: "There are other things which are more important in my life right now.

"The national team comes third on the priority list after the family and the club side.

"But, at the same time, it feels tough to end the international career as I did at the World Cup. But I stay in touch with the national team coaches."