Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Sweden are better off without me at the World Cup
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Updated 27/04/2018 at 09:05 GMT
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told reporters that Sweden are “better without” him in the squad, as he confirmed he would not be going to Russia in a playing capacity.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of LA Galaxy takes in the national anthem before the Major League Soccer match between Atlanta United and LA Galaxy in Carson, California
Image credit: Getty Images
The Swedish federation ended talk that the 36-year-old striker, who has scored 62 goals in 116 appearances for Sweden, could reverse his international retirement with a statement on Thursday saying he would not be selected.
"I spoke to Zlatan on Tuesday. He said he has not changed his decision regarding playing in the national team. It is still a no," Lars Richt, head of the Swedish Football Federation, was quoted as saying.
Speaking to journalists during a training session with new club LA Galaxy, Zlatan said his country would be fine without him, in his trademark exaggerated style.
“I think Sweden is favourite to win the World Cup, because they are better without Zlatan,” he said.
I am not part of the national team and that has been since I stopped [retired from international duty]. There is no other issue there.
Ibrahimovic toyed with reporters as they tried to ascertain exactly what he meant when telling Jimmy Kimmel recently that he would be going to Russia.
"If I'm going to the World Cup? Yes, I'm going. That's what I've been saying all the time."
Asked how he would get to Russia, he said: "I'm flying.”
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