'A World Cup without me wouldn't be a World Cup': Ibrahimovic hints he's coming out of retirement during Jimmy Kimmel interview
'A World Cup without me wouldn't be a World Cup': Ibrahimovic hints he's coming out of retirement during Jimmy Kimmel interview
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has left fans licking their lips at the prospect of seeing him at this summer's World Cup after dropping the biggest hint yet that he'll be at the Russia showpiece.
The 36-year-old, whose last appearance at the World Cup finals was with Sweden in 2006, retired from international duty following the 2016 European Championship.
But the charismatic striker, now plying his trade in the MLS with LA Galaxy, used his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live to whet the appetite regarding a potential return to Sweden.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed he will be going to this summer's World Cup in Russia
The 36-year-old striker used his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live to whet the appetite
Although it remains to be seen in what capacity the former Manchester United star will be in Russia for, fans will undoubtedly be hoping it's a pitch return, with Sweden facing Germany, Mexico and and South Korea in Group F.
Speaking to Kimmel at LA, he said: 'I'm going to the World Cup, yes.
'I just said I'm going to the World Cup. If I say more, people will hang me so I have to be careful what I say now.
'A World Cup without me wouldn't be a World Cup.'
Ibrahimovic could be on his way to the World Cup with Sweden after all this summer
The 36-year-old star retired from international duty following 2016 European Championship
The revelation comes after he dropped a huge hint that he is bound for the World Cup after saying chances of playing for Sweden in Russia are 'skyhoga', which is Swedish for 'sky-high'.
The 36-year-old striker sent the characteristically audacious message to his five-million Twitter followers on Sunday, suggesting he is ready to come out of international retirement to play at one more major tournament.
He said: 'The chance of me playing in the World Cup is skyhoga #FifaWorldCup2018.'
Ibrahimovic has not played for Sweden since the European Championships in France two years ago, where they finished rock bottom of their group after collecting just one point.
The former Manchester United favourite waves to fans as he attended Jimmy Kimmel Live
The charismatic footballer appeared at LA show following his exit from Man United this year
It was a disappointing conclusion to a record-breaking international career — he is Sweden's all-time top goalscorer with 62 goals and 116 caps — and Ibrahimovic seems set on returning for a final flourish.
Having scored three goals in three games for his new club LA Galaxy, Ibrahimovic has already suggested he would play for Sweden at the World Cup if he 'feels well'.
He said: 'I want to play football, we'll see what happens. They call me every day, they ask me how am I doing, but we need to take a step at a time. I repeat if I feel well and if I want to, I'll be there.'
But he looks fit and ready for the world stage after again scoring for LA Galaxy on Sunday
The 36-year-old tweeted on Sunday to say his chances of making World Cup were 'sky-high'
Sweden were mightily impressive in qualifying for the World Cup, denying Holland a play-off place in Group A before famously beating four-time winners Italy over two legs.
It was the first time since 2006 that they have reached the finals.
They face a tough task getting out of the group stages at the tournament, however, after they were drawn against defending champions Germany, Mexico and South Korea.
Ibrahimovic retired from international football after Sweden's disappoint Euro 2016 campaign
Comments
Post a Comment