Sweden boss explains decision to recall Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Andersson has spoken for the first time on his decision to recall Zlatan ahead of Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers.

Sweden manager Janne Andersson has highlighted Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s talent and experience as key factors behind the striker’s surprise recall.

The 39-year-old, who hasn’t played for Sweden since the end of Euro 2016, has ended his retirement from international football to make Andersson’s 26-man squad for the upcoming international break later this month.

The Scandinavian outfit has two World Cup qualifiers against Georgia on March 25 and Kosovo on March 28 and a friendly against Estonia three days later.

“First and foremost, he is a very good football player, the best we have had in Sweden,” said Andersson in a press conference on Tuesday.

“It is of course very funny that he wants to come back. Besides what he can contribute on the pitch, he has incredible experience and can contribute it to other players in the team.”

Zlatan has returned with possibly one eye set on being available for the summer’s European championship.

The AC Milan striker, who previously opened the door for an international recall in November, confirmed his return on social media with the caption: “The return of the God.”