Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been called up by Sweden almost five years since retiring from international football, clearing the way for the Milan forward to be part of the squad for this summer’s European Championship.
The 39-year-old called time on his Sweden career after Euro 2016 but his incredible form for Milan this season – he has 14 goals in 14 Serie A appearances – led to discussions with the national coach, Janne Andersson, and his inclusion in the squad to face Georgia and Kosovo in World Cup qualifiers and Estonia in a friendly.
Ibrahimovic, who has been injured on and off in 2021 but hopes to face Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday, posted on Instagram and Twitter a picture of himself in a Sweden kit and the words “The return of the God”.
The return of the God @svenskfotboll pic.twitter.com/hQThIdWRY0
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) March 16, 2021
Andersson said that he had included Ibrahimovic because of what he contributes on and off the pitch. “First and foremost he is a very good footballer, the best we have had in Sweden, so it if course great that he wants to return. Apart from what he can give on the pitch he also has an incredible experience and can help others in the team with that.”
Sweden face Spain, Slovakia and Poland in Euro 2020 Group E.
