Zlatan Ibrahimovic reveals he has no intention of making dramatic Sweden return  

‘I was just trying to irritate people in Sweden’: Zlatan Ibrahimovic reveals he has no intention of making dramatic return to national team as he explains reason behind his cryptic tweet declaring ‘long time no see’

  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played down any chances of him returning for Sweden 
  • The forward had posted a cryptic Instagram snap suggesting he could be back 
  • However, Milan striker has now revealed he only did it to ‘irritate’ certain people 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted there is no distinct possibility of him returning to international duty as he revealed a recent post on Instagram was an attempt to get under the skin of people in Sweden

The AC Milan striker posted a photo of himself during his national team days along with the caption ‘Long time no see’ prompting speculation that he could be set for a dramatic return. 

However, clarifying the thinking behind the post, Ibrahimovic, who earned the last of his 116 caps in 2016, insisted that the post did not promote a desire to return for his country, but in fact quite the opposite.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he wanted to ‘irritate’ people in Sweden with a cheeky post 

‘I was just trying to irritate people in Sweden,’ he revealed When speaking to Sky Sports  Italia after Milan’s 2-2 draw with Verona. 

Indeed, Sweden’s national team coach had previously been dismissive when asked about the post after naming his team for the upcoming international break. 

‘There were some people who told me there was a plan behind that photo. But I don’t understand what it means, it’s beyond me. I won’t waste too much energy on it,’ manager Janne Andersson had commented last week.

The 39-year-old had hinted about a possible return to the national team for his country

The 39-year-old had hinted about a possible return to the national team for his country

Thoughts of a return to the national fold for the 39-year-old have been entertained due to his impressive form on the pitch in Serie A this season.

The former Manchester United striker has nine goals across all competitions this season for Milan, including a stoppage-time equaliser at the weekend. 

That only served to amend his earlier mistake, having missed from the penalty spot earlier in the second half, the third time he has failed to convert from 12 yards already this season. 

Speaking afterwards, the forward admitted: ‘It’s obvious I’m angry, a draw today is not good, we had a lot of chances and I also missed the penalty.

‘I might let Kessie take the next one.’

Ibrahimovic has admitted he may come off penalties after missing his third of the season

Ibrahimovic has admitted he may come off penalties after missing his third of the season