AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 41, was called up again this Wednesday for the Swedish soccer club, for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches, after recovering from his long knee injury.
“Zlatan and I kept in touch during this period during his injury. Now he feels good to give his contribution on the pitch. Your personality and experience can also contribute much to the calling. He is unique,” said Sweden coach Jan “Janne” Andersson, presenting the list in Stockholm.
Andersson, however, underlined that he does not see “Ibra” as a starter, but with a role similar to the one he now has at Milan as a substitute who can leave for a few minutes.
Ibrahimovic had retired from the national team at the end of Euro 2016 but returned five years later, although injuries prevented him from being in the Eurocup and the first qualifying matches for Qatar 2022.
Sweden’s all-time top scorer took part in the final round of qualifying, although Sweden were eliminated in the play-off against Poland.
The former Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United player reappeared a few weeks ago after overcoming another new knee injury which had kept him out for nine months.
Sweden, drawn in group F, will face Belgium at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on the 24th and will host Azerbaijan in the same stadium three days later.
Also on the Swedish list is Mallorca defender Ludwig Augustinsson.
