‘The Return Of The God’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic Says As He Returns To Sweden Squad Five Years After Retiring

AC Milan Striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been called back to the Sweden’s national team five years after retiring.

The 39-year-old striker was called to join squads for Sweden’s games against Georgia on March 25 and Kosovo three days later, as well as a friendly against Estonia on March 31.

Ibrahimovic had an international record of 62 goals in 112 games for Sweden from 2001-2016, before quitting the team following their exit at the group stage of Euro 2016.

Sweden’s national team coach, Janne Anderson has now announced his national team squad, which included the big striker.

Confirming the call back, Zlatan via his Twitter page on Tuesday wrote; “The return of the God”,, alongside a photo of him playing for Sweden.

The return of the God @svenskfotboll pic.twitter.com/hQThIdWRY0

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) March 16, 2021

Back in November 2020, Ibrahimovic spoke about returning, when he was asked about coming out of retirement.

He said;

If [Andersson] called me, I would answer. I would tell him to give me time. I have to think about it. But it has to come from him. If he thinks I’m too big, I’m not interested. If he believes I can bring something [to the group], then I would think about it.

Sweden reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia without the country’s most prolific striker, it was Sweden’s best performance in the competition since 1994.

Coach Janne Andersson flew to meet him in Milan to pave the way for his comeback, which was announced on Tuesday.

Anderson said:

First and foremost, he is a very good football player, the best we have had in Sweden. It is, of course, very fun that he wants to come back. In addition to what he can contribute on the pitch, he has incredible experience and can contribute it to other players in the team.

Now, Ibrahimovic  is in line to play at the Euros scheduled for June and July this year. Sweden is in the same group as Spain, Poland and Slovakia.

He has been prolific in spells at Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and Milan since retiring from international duty after Euro 2016. The player has 16 goals in 21 appearances for Milan this season, though he has missed the team’s last four matches because of a right thigh injury.