Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to the 41-year-old Sweden squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan after a year out through injury, having played three games for AC Milan since his return.
- Ibrahimovic initially retired in 2016, but returned to the fold almost five years later.
- His last appearance was in March 2022 before suffering a serious knee injury.
- Sweden coach Janne Andersson said the striker is “ready” to contribute
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to the Swedish national team at the age of 41.
The striker has recently returned to club action for AC Milan after 11 months out with a serious knee injury.
He returned to the Sweden national team in March 2021 after nearly five years away after announcing his retirement after Euro 2016.
He spent another year away after his return after missing Euro 2020 with injury, failing to help his team reach the World Cup last year.
However, he looks poised to play a part in Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan later this month.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to the Swedish fold after missing a year through injury
He has made three appearances for the AC Milan club since coming back from inside out.
Explaining the striker’s return to the team, manager Janne Andersson insisted that Ibrahimovic “feels ready” to contribute to the team.
“Zlatan has made a bit longer three appearances now for Milan and he feels ready and in good shape even though he’s been out for a while,” Andersson said.
So from that perspective, I think you can add something. Especially on the pitch, but also outside.’
Ibrahimovic has made just three appearances for Milan this season, playing a total of 68 minutes, following season-ending surgery last year.
The striker last played for his country in March 2022 before undergoing surgery
He last played for Sweden against Poland in their last World Cup qualifying play-off, playing 11 minutes off the bench in March 2022.
He recovered from the injury soon after and has been working on his rehab for most of the season.
The Swede returned to Milan from the bench against Atalanta on February 26 and has since played against Fiorentina and Salernitana.
Premier League players Victor Lindelof, Anthony Elanga, Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski are also in the squad.