Stefan Schwarz, a former Sweden international who turned out for the likes of Benfica, Arsenal and Fiorentina, talks about his career, modern football and the 2010 World Cup.

Not many footballers can boast of having played in five of Europe's top leagues but Stefan Schwarz is one of them.

The Swede's CV features spells with some high-profile clubs, namely Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Valencia.

Schwarz, who has been working as a football agent since hanging up his boots in 2003, was in the same hotel as the Malta squad during the latter's sojourn in the Algarve for last weekend's friendly match against Angola.

"I certainly enjoyed my time playing for some of Europe's top clubs," Schwarz told The Times.

"I was lucky to have a long career as a pro and I did enjoy every minute of it.

"I also have pleasant memories of my visits to Malta with the Swedish national team and also when Benfica visited the island for a European match. At every club I played for, we were challenging to win trophies."

Born on April 18, 1969 in Malmo, Schwarz started playing football at youth level with Kulladals FF before joining his hometown club Malmo.

In 1990, Schwarz, who has a German father, turned out for Leverkusen but not before long, he was heading to Benfica where he played from 1990 to 1994.

Schwarz also played for Arsenal, Fiorentina, Valencia and Sunderland. In 1999, he won the Guldbollen award as Sweden's best footballer during that year.

Now 40, Schwarz thinks the game at the top level has become quicker since his playing days.

"Football was more physical when I played but the game is quicker now," Schwarz said.

"Also, referees allowed more physical contact during my time, so players also had to be really good athletes. I think it was a bit tougher before.

"One significant development I've noticed in the last few years is that the smaller teams have improved.

"Look at Malta for example. I watched the match against Sweden and I can tell you that we were very lucky to win 1-0. Malta played an excellent game that day."

I interviewed Schwarz the day before Sweden's 1-0 upset to Denmark put their play-off hopes in serious jeopardy.

Sweden were in the driving seat then as they had a two-point advantage over the third-placed teams with only two matches left but Portugal have since climbed into second after beating Hungary 3-0 and the Swedes went down to Denmark.

Even before Sweden ceded the initiative in the race for a World Cup play-off, Schwarz had pleaded with Malta to do his nation a favour by thwarting Portugal in tomorrow's qualifier in Guimaraes.

"Now I hope Malta do Sweden a favour by taking something from Portugal," Schwarz said.

"I know it's difficult but if the Maltese go into the game with a good attitude like they showed against Sweden, they can produce a good performance.

"I must say that Malta haven't had things easy in this World Cup campaign as they were drawn in the most difficult group. However, most of their performances have been good. They are competing against some of the best nations but my impression is that Malta have maintained their improvement.

"For this, I must take my hat off to the Maltese football federation because they are doing a good job."

Best league

As the debate on which of Europe's top leagues is the best rages on, few are better-placed than Schwarz to delve into this subject, given his vast experience.

"The Italian, Spanish and English leagues are without doubt the top three," Schwarz said.

"The English Premier League is very fascinating. It boasts plenty of world-class players and excellent foreign coaches. Moreover, English football is very entertaining and exciting."

Schwarz is also backing England to do well in next year's World Cup finals.

"I really think England can do well. It's not just because they have a strong team, the climate in South Africa during the World Cup will suit them.

"English players don't like to play in hot weather but the temperatures in South Africa in June-July are usually not very high.

"England, Brazil and Spain are among the early favourites. History also shows that there is always one or two teams who cause a surprise."

On a personal level, Schwarz feels the time has come for him to start coaching.

"I'm going to do my Pro Licence," Schwarz said.

"I'm currently working as a football agent but I want to be a coach. I now feel comfortable about starting a career in coaching.

"I want to be involved in football because it's my passion."