Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the Sweden team after a four-year absence, receiving a call-up for the upcoming WC2022 qualifiers. The veteran forward interacted with reporters in a press conference and was visibly emotional following a question regarding his family.
AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in tears following his return to the Sweden National Team after a four-year absence. The 39-year-old broke down momentarily when asked about his family’s reaction to his national camp return.
Meanwhile, the former Manchester United and Barcelona star asserted that he has returned to the team to get results:
To play in the national team is the biggest thing you can do as a football player, and as I was following them [Sweden], inside me I was feeling I think I can help them, I think I can do something,
Ibrahimovic said.
I’ve got the opportunity now to play for my country and I do it with honour, but it’s not only about that – it sounds like I’m only happy to be here … but I’m here to get results, to bring results for the coach and my teammates and the whole country. As much as I talk here, if I don’t bring results, here it means nothing.
Ibrahimovic’s return to the national team will undoubtedly have a big impact on his teammates. The striker revealed that two of his compatriots – Emil Forsberg and Alexander Isak – even offered him their shirt numbers. The Swede decided to accept Isak’s offering of number 11, which he usually wears for his club sides.
He said he’ll get it back in six or seven years when I quit,
Ibrahimovic joked when asked about the incident.
Sweden have been drawn alongside Spain, Georgia, Kosovo, and Greece in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, European qualifiers. They will take on Georgia in their opening qualification match, following which they will face Kosovo. An international friendly against Estonia will wrap up their international camp.
Ibrahimovic’s inclusion, meanwhile, could be a hint towards his selection in the squad for this summer’s UEFA Euro. Sweden are in Group E of the competition, along with Spain, Slovakia, and Poland.
