Sweden’s skipper Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that he will retire from international football after Euro 16.
The former Paris Saint-Germain centre forward is his country’s top scorer with 62 goals in 115 appearances but is yet to make a major impact in the ongoing Euro 16, having failed to score in Sweden’s first two group stage matches.
BREAKING: Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to retire from international football after Euro 2016. #SSNHQ https://t.co/5XICny97tK
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 21, 2016
“The last game for Sweden at the Euros will be my last game for Sweden. I hope it is not tomorrow,” Ibrahimovic, who is widely expected to join Manchester United this summer, said on Tuesday.
“I will not play at the Olympics so I hope we go as far as possible here. Either way, I will not end disappointed. I am very proud to be captain of Sweden.
“I want to thank all the supporters who have helped me achieve what I have done. Wherever I go I will always bring the Swedish flag with me and be proud of it. I will never be disappointed. Thank you everyone.”
Ibrahimovic’s announcement comes a week after Hakan Ericson included the striker in Sweden’s provisional 35-man squad to play at the Rio Olympics, meaning the 34-year-old will not be part of the final squad to go to Brazil this summer.
Sweden need a win against Belgium on Wednesday to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 16 and prolong their national icon’s career on international stage.
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