Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic To Retire From International Soccer After Euro 2016

Superstar Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced on Tuesday that he plans to retire from international soccer after the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament.

Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic To Retire From International Soccer After Euro 2016

“The last game with Sweden in the Euros will be my last game with Sweden, so I hope it won’t be tomorrow,” the 34-year-old striker and Swedish captain told a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s final Group E game against Belgium in Nice.

The Euro 2016 Cup is set to end on July 10.

There had been some speculation that Ibrahimovic could participate in this year’s Rio Olympics after he was named in an initial 35-man squad for the competition earlier this month, but the striker also ruled that out.

“This will be a big loss,” said Sweden head coach Erik Hamrén. “He is unique.”

Ibrahimovic, who holds his country’s record for most goals scored with 62, is seeking to become the first player to score in four European Championship finals. Sweden will have to defeat Belgium on Wednesday in order to stand a chance of advancing to the last 16.

“I will not participate in the Olympics because my last game will be the last game Sweden has at this Euros,” he said. “So let’s hope it goes as long as possible.”

A record 10-time winner of the national Guldbollen award for player of the year, Ibrahimovic made clear that he would end his career with his head held high regardless of Wednesday’s result.

“To finish in a disappointment, never. Because I’m very proud to be the captain of Sweden and of what I’ve achieved,” the superstar said. “I want to take this moment to thank all the supporters because they made it possible for me to achieve what I have achieved. Without them it would not have been possible,”

Ibrahimovic then continued: “Wherever I go, wherever I come, I’ll always bring the Swedish flag with me and stand with it. For me, disappointment doesn’t exist, only proudness and gratefulness. I’m very thankful. So thank you.”

Ibrahimovic is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain after four seasons in Ligue 1, but has yet to commit to a new team. Manchester United are rumored to be the favorites to sign him.

On two occasions he has led his side to the Euro finals, but in 2012 – and in the current competition – Sweden have fallen well short of expectations. During that period they have also missed out on two World Cups.

PHOTO: TOULOUSE, FRANCE – JUNE 17: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden in action during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden at Stadium Municipal on June 17, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena