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Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Henrik Larsson reveals why Sweden icon is NOT in World Cup team
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC had the choice to play at the World Cup but never called the Sweden manager to ask him, says Henrik Larsson.
Ibrahimovic is in Russia supporting Sweden but has not been selected for the squad.
That is despite the striker still being regarded as a dangerous goal-getter in club football.
This is the first time since 2000 that Sweden have come to a major competition without Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ranks.
And his former strike partner Larsson has given some insight into why he isn’t playing under manager Janne Andersson.
“He never called the coach,” Larsson said of the ex-Manchester United star on ITV.
“That’s what the coach said.
World Cup: Larsson on why Ibrahimovic not playing for Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Henrik Larsson reveals Sweden snub at World Cup
“When he took over, Zlatan announced his retirement.
“He said ‘if he wants to come back, he has to give me a call’.
“Zlatan never called him and that’s why he’s not here.”
Ibrahimovic quit international football after a disastrous Euro 2016 that saw Sweden crash out of the tournament at the group stage.
SWEDEN VS SOUTH KOREA LIVE
In med bollen i mål #letsgo #letthegamesbegin #wearethebest #vmguld pic.twitter.com/hLPvCVcuRE
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) June 18, 2018
They lost two of their three matches and scored just one goal.
Ibrahimovic moved to United that summer as Andersson became Sweden head coach and the forward preferred to focus on his club career over internationals.
A serious knee injury ruined his second campaign at United and in March this year joined MLS side LA Galaxy.