5 years after retirement, Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes emotional comeback to Sweden

Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic during a training session at Stockholm recently. Pic/AFP

An unusually reserved and humble Zlatan Ibrahimovic had to hold back the tears on Monday as he arrived in Sweden ahead of his return this week to the Swedish national squad after nearly five years away.

Veteran striker Ibrahimovic, 39, showed a more sensitive side to his usually brash public persona when he was asked about what his two teenage sons, Maximilian and Vincent, thought of his international comeback. "It's not a good question you're asking. I had Vincent here, who actually cried when I left him. But it's OK, it's OK," he said with tears.

Humble Zlatan

Speaking to reporters days ahead of Sweden's 2022 World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Thursday, the often boastful footballer acknowledged he was much more patient both on and off the field than when he announced the end of is international career after Euro 2016. "Right now you're thinking: ‘He's much too nice and much too humble'," Ibrahimovic joked.

Sweden's most successful player, the AC Milan forward retired from international football with 116 caps and 62 goals for his national team. He announced his return to the squad in his usual style last week on Instagram with a picture of himself in the Swedish team kit with the caption "The return of the God".

But Ibra said on Monday he didn't want to be given a spot on the team for his past achievements but because he deserved it. He is in good form this season for Milan, with 15 goals in as many Serie A games. He also said he didn't mind no longer being team captain, a role now taken by Alexander Granqvist.

‘New chapter'

In a another sign of a "new chapter," Ibrahimovic said he had asked to don the number 11 on his jersey rather than the 10 he used to sport. "I asked nicely if I could have the 11," he said, adding that teammate and Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak had graciously agreed to give up the number.

Glimpses of the old Ibrahimovic did however make an appearance. "If you ask me I'm the best in the world," Zlatan said as he broke into laughter.

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No. of goals AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in as many Italian League games this season

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