STEFAN SCHWARZ has vowed not to retire when he leaves Sunderland later this month, writes Steven Baker.
The midfielder is on the verge of departing the Premiership basement boys after the club decided to release him before his contract expires.
But while talks continue between Sunderland and Schwarz's representatives, the 33-year-old former Sweden international is determined not to hang up his boots just yet.
His agent Vincenzo Morabito said: "Stefan wants to continue playing professional football. That's what we're looking at.
"Returning to Sweden is possible and an interesting option.
"But his aim is to stay abroad and Portugal could be a likely destination."
Schwarz, who is a former Arsenal player, spent the 1993-94 season at Benfica and was strongly linked with a return to the Portuguese giants last summer.
Morabito added: "Discussions are still ongoing with Sunderland but we haven't yet struck a deal with the club."
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