Official: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not play at the 2018 World Cup
Despite all the speculation, the Swedish FA confirm that the former Manchester United striker will not be called up to be part of the national team for Russia 2018.
It's official. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not play in the 2018 World Cup. The Swedish FA have confirmed in a statement that the former Man United star will not be counting on for Russia as he "has previously refused to play for the national team".
Ibrahimovic decided to retire from international football following Sweden's failure to get out of the group stage at Euro 2016. However, after the national team achieved a place at Russia 2018, the striker has hinted many times that he might return to play at the World Cup.
But the rumours are over. National manager Lars Richt has made it clear that Ibrahimovic is not applicable to the World Cup squad Janne Andersson will present on May 15th. "Zlatan has previously said no to playing for the national team -- and he hasn't changed his mind. I talked to Zlatan on Tuesday. He told me he hasn't changed his mind regarding playing for the national team -- it's still a no,' says Lars Richt [Sporting Director].