Ibrahimovic returns to Swedish national team

(GSM) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his return to the Swedish national team after retiring from international duty after the failed World Cup qualifying campaign.

After Sweden failed to secure a spot at this year’s World Cup in South Africa, the Barcelona star said that he was no longer available for the national team.

But with Euro 2012 qualifying starting in September, it looks like the forward changed his mind.

“What I have always said, is that I am proud to play for the national team. You can count on me to be there at the national team’s next game,” he said.

“After the last game, when we didn’t get into the World Cup, I felt my motivation disappear. So I decided to give up. I had no desire to play. I’m a competitor, I play to win. After your career, you want to be remembered as someone who won.”

Ibrahimovic went on to explain that Sweden boss Erik Hamren helped him recover this motivation. “He has the same mentality as me. He promised me a medal.”

Sweden begin Euro 2012 qualifying against Hungary on September 3. The other teams in Group E are the Netherlands, Finland, Moldova and San Marino.