Sweden’s record goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recalled to the national team, five years after announcing his retirement.
The 39-year-old scored 62 goals in 116 internationals before quitting the team following their exit at the group stage of Euro 2016.
He opened the door to a return in a newspaper interview in November 2020 and Sweden coach Janne Andersson then flew to Milan to meet with the striker.
Ibrahimovic has 14 goals in 14 Serie A appearances for AC Milan this season.
Sweden face Georgia on Thursday, 25 March before playing Kosovo three days later in their opening two 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Ibrahimovic has responded to Sweden’s announcement of their squad by tweeting: “The return of the God.”
“He can be a little bit funny at times,” Andersson said when told about the striker’s tweet during an online news conference.
“First and foremost he is a very good footballer, the best we have had in Sweden. It’s obviously very good that he wants to come back.
“Apart from what he can contribute on the field, he has incredible experience and can contribute that to the other players in the team.”
Ibrahimovic picks Sweden
Ibrahimovic was eligible to represent Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Croatia at international level; he chose Sweden.
He made his debut for Sweden in a 0–0 friendly draw against the Faroe Islands at Tipshallen on 31 January 2001 during the 2000–01 Nordic Football Championship.
On 7 October 2001, he played his first competitive match, a 2002 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, scoring his first ever international goal in a 3–0 win as Sweden topped their group to qualify for the upcoming tournament.
Ibrahimović was part of the Sweden squad at the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in Korea and Japan, who were eliminated at the round of 16 by newcomers Senegal.
He appeared twice in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in the group stage game against Argentina and in the round of 16 game against Senegal.
Ibrahimovic featured in Sweden’s UEFA Euro 2004, 2008 and 2012 campaigns. He also played in the 2006 World Cup.
