Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to Swedish national soccer team

Zlatan Ibrahimović has ended uncertainty about his international future by proclaiming he is keen to play for Sweden, telling a press conference: "I've missed wearing the yellow jersey."

FC Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimović announced on Friday that he is keen to represent Sweden again. "I've missed wearing the yellow jersey," said Ibrahimović.

The 28-year-old has not played for his country since Sweden's last FIFA World Cup qualifier, a 4-1 win against Albania in October 2009. Sweden missed out on a place in the finals in South Africa, with Ibrahimović admitting he was struggling to find the motivation to add to his 62 caps. "After that last match when we didn't qualify for the World Cup, I felt like I'd lost my breath," he explained at Friday's press conference in his home town, Malmo. "I had no motivation."

The mystery over Ibrahimović's future had cast a shadow over the national team, but new coach Erik Hamrén is delighted that he will now be able to call on the striker. "A motivated Zlatan is worth his weight in gold for the Swedish national side," said Hamrén, adding: "In my opinion, he's one of the world's best players."



Hamrén also announced that Ibrahimović will be sharing team captain duties with Anders Svensson. "That makes me proud," said Ibrahimović. "It feels fantastic and I'll be there for the younger players." Sweden will face Scotland in a friendly on 11 August before starting their UEFA EURO 2012 Group E campaign at home to Hungary on 3 September.


(source: uefa.com)