A Swedish international who amassed 65 caps, he has played for Bayer Leverkusen, Malmo, Benfica, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Valencia during an illustrious career which saw him play in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups as well as Euro 92 in his home country.

Had a brief and disappointing spell in the Premiership with Arsenal in 1994/95 and moved to Benfica after failing to settle.

Won Player of the Year in Sweden after helping his country storm to a place in the Euro 2000 finals, which he missed after rupturing his Achilles heel towards the end of the season

Made his Sunderland debut in a 2-0 win at home to Watford before grabbing his first goal with the winner against Sheffield Wednesday a month later.

Became an important player as Sunderland achieved two consecutive seventh place finishes in the Premiership.

But, as Sunderland's form slumped in the 2001/02 season, Schwarz became one of the casualties. Fell out of favour and at the end of the season was told he was free to find a new club.