Manchester United’s star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted that his career with his international team is completely over regardless of whether or not Sweden reach the World Cup.
Ibrahimovic is often considered a hero to his country and helped put his country on the map in modern football.
The Swedes have a chance to qualify for the 2018 edition of the World Cup hosted by Russia when they face Italy over a two legged match.
Italy are keen to avoid embarrassment and are confident of facing a Zlatan-less Sweden side who have already pushed above their weight.
United’s powerful forward though will not consider returning to the international set-up should his country beat the Italians.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, he said: “I am not thinking about Sweden or the World Cup. I am just thinking about returning to full fitness as soon as possible.
“My story with the national team is finished. Maybe I could have done more, maybe I could have done less but my time [with them] has come to an end.
“Either way it would be beautiful if Sweden reached the World Cup.”
Ibrahimovic’s return to fitness is eagerly anticipated by Manchester United fans who are keen to see their star man feature for the club once more.
After his heavy injury in the Europa League last season, many expected Zlatan to retire from football entirely but the Swede made it clear quickly that he had no intentions to do so.
The claim was met with positivity but his contract ran out with United and it seemed as though his short career at Old Trafford was over.
However, perhaps due to the lack of numbers, Jose Mourinho opted to resign his former player and the goalscoring striker has since been working hard to return to the first team.
Many expected Ibrahimovic to be out until January 2018 if not further due to the nature of the injury and his relatively old age but he has defied expectations and is set to return in the near future to add some much needed depth up front for the Red Devils.