Swiss midfielder Benjamin Huggel has announced his retirement from the national team. The Basel player, 33, wants to concentrate on his club career and told the national team coach Ottmar Hitzfeld of his decision yesterday.

"I spoke with Mr Hitzfeld and informed him that I am retiring from the national team," he confirmed to Switzerland's Blick newspaper. "I have got to listen to what my body is telling me and gather my strength. It is not a decision which was made overnight."

Huggel was voted as Switzerland's best footballer last year and appeared throughout their FIFA World Cup™ campaign, which ended in disappointment despite a 1-0 victory over the eventual winners Spain in their first group game.

He leaves his position vacant for Eintracht Frankfurt's Pirmin Schwegler, who has been earmarked to fill his central midfield role.