Ibrahimovic returns to Sweden squad after five years

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been included in Sweden's 26-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo.

Published : Mar 16, 2021 19:18 IST , STOCKHOLM

Sweden's record goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his return to his country's international squad following a five-year hiatus by declaring "The return of the God" in a social media post on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old was named in coach Janne Andersson's 26-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo, five years after the striker retired from the national team.

 

"He can be a little bit funny at times," Andersson said with a laugh when told about the striker's tweet during an online news conference.

RELATED|

"First and foremost he is a very good footballer, the best we have had in Sweden. It's obviously very good that he wants to come back.

"Apart from what he can contribute on the field, he has incredible experience and can contribute with that to the other players in the team," he added.

RELATED|

Ibrahimovic scored 62 goals in 116 internationals before quitting the team following its exit at the group stage of Euro 2016.

He opened the door to a return in a newspaper interview in November 2020, and coach Andersson flew to meet him in Milan to pave the way for his comeback, which was announced on Tuesday.

He has scored 14 goals in 14 Serie A appearances for AC Milan so far this season.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment