ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is reportedly set to come out of international retirement to play for Sweden for the first time since 2016.
The AC Milan striker hasn’t played for the Scandinavian country since Euro 2016, with his last appearance for his country coming in the 1-0 defeat against Belgium.
Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn’t played for his country since Euro 2016Credit: Reuters
Ibrahimovic – who expressed his interest in playing for Sweden at the 2018 World Cup – insisted last year that he wasn’t thinking of returning to the national team.
But according to FotbollDirekt, the 39-year-old is poised to end his hiatus with the maverick forward to be called up to Janne Andersson’s squad on March 16.
He could feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo, as well as the friendly against Estonia at the end of the month.
There has been speculation in recent months that Ibrahimovic was to return to for Sweden after meeting with boss Andersson in November.
Commenting on the incident, Andersson said: “When Zlatan opened up for games in the national team, it felt natural and important to meet and discuss this as soon as possible.
“I am glad that we managed to get a meeting so quickly.”
Ibrahimovic is Sweden’s all-time top scorer having banged in 62 goals in 112 appearances.
Six of those strikes have come in the European Championships, while he has never scored in the World Cup.
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Ibrahimovic has been in fine form for Milan this term – chipping in with 14 Serie A goals in as many games.
But in a blow for the Italian giants, he could be out of the Europa League Round of 16 tie against Manchester United.
A groin injury could keep him on the sidelines for the next fortnight according to EuroSport.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic spends time with Helena Seger and their two boys Maximilian and Vincent in Beverly Hills
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
