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Sweden coach confirms talks with Ibrahimovic over potential return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sweden
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The Milan forward hasn’t seen international action ever since the past European Championship but could make a shock return for the next one.

Sweden got knocked out of the Euro 2016 as they finished rock-bottom of Group E after narrowly losing out to Belgium in group stage matchday 3.

That 1-0 loss was the last time Zlatan Ibrahimovic stepped on the pitch with a Sweden shirt as the then captain announced his retirement immediately after the match.

Ibrahimovic retired as his national team’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 116 appearances. 

There have been talks of his return at various points since then, as prior to the World Cup in Russia.

He recently expressed his desire to represent Sweden again while also posted a cryptic post on social media with a picture of himself in the national team jersey titled: ‘Long time no see’.

It appears this time the veteran striker could indeed rejoin the team with Sweden head coach Janne Andersson willing to discuss his return.

“When Zlatan opened up for games in the national team, it felt natural and important to meet and discuss this as soon as possible. I am glad that we managed to get a meeting so quickly,” Andersson told the Swedish Football Association‘s official website on Thursday.

“The meeting was very good and rewarding, and we agree to continue the dialogue going forward.”

Sweden have booked a place in next summer’s European Championship and share Group E with Poland, Slovakia, and Spain.

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