Ibrahimovic returns to Sweden squad five years after retirement

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan striker, has been recalled to Sweden’s national team for their upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers — almost five years after retiring from international football.

The 39-year-old, who netted 62 goals in 112 games for Sweden between 2001 and 2016, is set to return to the national team for the first time since the 2016 European championship.

It is understood that Janne Andersson, Sweden head coach, included him in the squad for the upcoming qualifying games against Georgia and Kosovo.

He will also take part in their friendly match against Estonia on March 31.

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

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) March 16, 2021

Ibrahimovic also took to his social media page to confirm the news with a picture of himself playing for Sweden along with the caption: “The return of the God.”

“First and foremost, he is a very good football player, the best we have had in Sweden,” Andersson said about Ibrahimovic while announcing the squad for World Cup qualifiers.

“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.”

The AC Milan forward debuted for Sweden nearly 20 years ago. Between 2001 and 2016, he represented his country in two World Cups and four European championships.