Football
ESPN staff 6y

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says World Cup return with Sweden will be his decision

New LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says it will be up to him whether he makes a comeback for Sweden at the World Cup in Russia.

The 36-year-old retired from international duty after Euro 2016, but reopened the possibility of returning for the World Cup earlier this month, and told the Galaxy's website that Sweden have been pushing him for an answer.

"I mean [Sweden] are calling me every day asking me, 'How do you feel? What do you want? What are you thinking? How is the situation?' But one step at a time," said Ibrahimovic, who completed his move to the Galaxy on Friday.

"If I feel good, if I feel I am able and can do what I know I can do, I mean the door will always be open. It has nothing to do on the other side, it is from this side, let's say me.

"If I want, I am there [the World Cup], if I don't want, I am not there, but one thing a time. I said I am very hungry to play football, I need to play football, and when I start to do that, then we see what happens."

Ibrahimovic returned to competitive action for Manchester United in November after recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured cruciate ligament, but his last match was a first-half run-out on Boxing Day.

However, he said he's fully fit to play for the Galaxy, and added that he would first concentrate on a smooth transition into his new environment before making any firm decisions about his summer plans.

"The main focus now is Galaxy, I settle in, get to know my new teammates, get to know the club, get to know the city," he said. "When I feel comfortable there, you take the next step."

Information from Press Association was used in this report.

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