Marta returns to Swedish league

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STOCKHOLM -- Five-time FIFA player of the year Marta will return to the Swedish league after three seasons in the WPS.

Swedish club Tyreso presented the Brazilian star Wednesday as its latest player at a news conference in Stockholm.

Marta played three seasons in the Women's Professional Soccer league in the United States. The WPS suspended the 2012 season amid a legal dispute with an ousted owner, with hopes of restarting next year.

The 26-year-old star played for the Western New York Flash, which won the WPS championship last fall. In 2010, she led the Bay Area FC Gold Pride to the title.

Marta spent five seasons with Umea of the Swedish League from 2004 to 2008.

"The goal is to win the Swedish league this year and play Champions League next season," Marta said. "I enjoy being in Sweden. It is my second home, and I have very good memories from here."

The value of the contract wasn't disclosed. Marta said she could have earned a higher salary in other countries, but "money isn't everything."

Marta will join previous Tyreso recruits Caroline Seger, Lisa Dahlkvist, Linda Sembrant -- all of Sweden -- and Veronica Boquete of Spain. The club finished fourth in the league last year.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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