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Zlatan Ibrahimovic hints at comeback for Sweden at World Cup

Sweden's striker and team captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his 3rd goal of the match during the FIFA World Cup 20
Image: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted he may return for Sweden at the Russia World Cup

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted he may come out of international retirement for Sweden to play at World Cup in Russia this summer.

The striker announced his retirement from the national set-up after featuring for his country at Euro 2016.

A move to Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain soon followed, though the 36-year-old has seen his second season in English football hampered by injury.

Speaking this week to Swedish media, Ibrahimovic, who has featured just seven times in all competitions this season, implied he could make a return.

"I miss the national team. If I want, I do it. I want to feel I can deliver a good performance," he said.

"We'll see, it's a tough question. I want to feel that I can perform and give back. I don't want to come just because I'm somebody. The door isn't closed for anything."

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - NOVEMBER 17:  Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden celebrates after the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier Play-Off Second Leg match between Denmark an
Image: Ibrahimovic is Sweden's all-time top scorer with 62 strikes in 116 appearances

Sweden booked their spot in the Russia tournament without their former talisman, beating Italy in a two-legged playoff in November

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Janne Andersson's side begin their campaign with a fixture against South Korea in Nizhny Novgorod on Monday, June 18.

Group F will also see Sweden come up against holders Germany and Mexico.

The striker also suggested it would not even require a phone call to bring him back: "I don't think anyone needs to call. If I want to, I'm there, that's how it is. But one thing at a time. When I can do what I want to, I'll have other thoughts."

Ibrahimovic is Sweden's all-time leading goalscorer with 62 international goals in 116 appearances, and was captain upon his retirement.

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