Disappointed by his missed meeting with Sweden for the Euro, Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Monday his pleasure to find the selection for the qualifications of the World Cup 2022, while showing cautious confidence on his return from injury. ” It feels good. At last ! », Released the Swedish star in a press conference, before the matches against Georgia Thursday and Sunday against the great rival of group B, Spain.
At 40 years old, an exceptional longevity at a very high level, the AC Milan striker said he was available to play both trips, but with a “balance” in his playing time. “Every day I learn better know my body. He is getting older, his head is getting younger and I am getting more handsome. There are new things every day, ”Zlatan joked with his usual egos and rhetoric.
“I had to be honest with myself”
After nearly five years away from the national team, “Ibra” announced his comeback in March, a return materialized by two qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But due to a knee injury, the top scorer in Blågul history had to follow the Euro in front of his television.
” It was hard. It was one of the things I looked forward to and missed playing. But I had to be honest with myself. I was not 100%, ”said the Milan striker. New physical problems kept him away from the field until mid-October, but the man who called himself “the king” of Sweden can now play again under the orders of coach Janne Andersson.
One match, two matches?
“Everyone wants to play, but I think I have to have a balance in my playing time, because of the injuries I come from. If I find the right balance I should be able to play as much as possible, ”added the Malmö native. Will he be spared for the shock against Spain? The striker with 62 goals in 118 capes ensures that he will let his coach decide to align him or not.
“I am here because I am a member of the team. If Janne wants me to play both, I’ll play both. If he wants me to play only one, I’ll play one. It all depends on what Janne wants, ”he said. After six games, Sweden are first in Group B with 15 points, ahead of Spain (13 points) and Greece (nine points).