At aged 41, iconic striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recalled to the Sweden national team squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan.
The veteran striker’s name surprisingly popped up on Thursday when the manager, Janne Andersson announced the squad list. With his inclusion in the squad, Ibrahimovic is on the verge of breaking legendary Italian, Dino Zoff’s record.
Zoff currently holds the record as the oldest player to feature in a Euro qualifier game. He achieved that feat in 1983 when he appeared for Italy aged 40 and 90 days.
Now, Ibrahimovic 41, is on the cusp of breaking the record if he features in any of the games Sweden are billed to play.
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The 41-year-old has appeared in just three of AC Milan’s games this season. Although, he just recovered from a knee issue he sustained towards the end of last season.
Andersson spoke on why he decided to include the towering striker in his squad for the qualifiers.
On this day in 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary hat-trick vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden took Portugal to the World Cup.pic.twitter.com/vnyEoQdXLE
— TC (@totalcristiano) November 19, 2022
He said: “Zlatan has made three slightly longer substitutions. Now in Milan and feels fit and in decent shape even though he has been away for a while.
“From that perspective, I think he can contribute. Especially on the pitch, but also off the pitch.”
Ibrahimovic last featured for the national side 12 months ago and will be looking forward to smashing the record set by the legendary Italian shot-stopper.
Sweden are in the same group with Belgium, Azerbaijan, Estonia, and Austria.
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