Zlatan completes remarkable U-turn with Sweden call-up

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been named in Sweden’s international squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Georgia.

Ibrahimovic, 39, had retired from international football in 2016. However, he opened the door to a return in a newspaper interview in November 2020.

That led to a meeting with Sweden coach Janne Andersson, who flew to Milan to meet with the striker. On Tuesday, the AC Milan striker was named in their squad to play two qualifiers for the World Cup later this month.

It also means, subject to fitness, Ibrahmimovic will now be in contention to play at Euro 2020.

The last of his 116 caps came in 2016. That was after his struggling Sweden side finished in last place in their group at Euro 2016.

The skipper played every minute of their group game, but struggled to make an impact. He immediately announced his retirement after their elimination.

The 6ft 5in striker made his international debut as a 19-year-old against the Faroe Islands and went on to score in his first competitive match – a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup against Azerbaijan.

Zlatan greeted the news by tweeting: “The return of the God.”

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Ibrahimovic, the former Juventus, Barcelona, Ajax, PSG and Man Utd striker, has 62 international goals to his name.

He’s also proved himself still capable of playing at the top level by starring for Milan this season. In 16 Serie A appearances this season, he has 16 goals for Stefano Piolo’s side.