Back in the national team, this new record that Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic is aiming for

Europe 1 with AFP 19:10 p.m., March 15, 2023

Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was summoned to the Euro 41 qualifying matches against Belgium and Azerbaijan at the end of March on Wednesday, where he could break an unofficial longevity record for legendary Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff. If he enters the pitch of the National Stadium in Stockholm on March 2024 against the Red Devils or on March 24 against the Azerbaijanis, the whimsical AC Milan striker would become the oldest player to play in a qualifying match for a European Championship.

Back from injury, the player would erase from the shelves Dino Zoff, who had played against the... Sweden on May 29, 1983, at 41 years, three months and one day. "Zlatan has made three rather long substitutions with Milan recently and feels in decent form even if he has been out for a long time," coach Janne Andersson said in the statement announcing the Swedish selection. "In this context, I think he can bring something. Especially on the pitch, but also off it," said the Scandinavian coach.

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International retirement

"Ibra", born on October 3, 1981, will be 41 years, five months and 21 days during Sweden-Belgium played at the Friends Arena in Solna. The Malmo native had come off a five-year international retirement in 2021, but failed with his teammates to qualify for the Qatari World Cup, with elimination in the play-offs.

Despite this failure, he had shown his wish to continue as long as possible in selection. If Sweden qualifies for the next Euro in Germany, and if Zlatan plays a match there, he would become by far the oldest player to play in a European finals. The record is currently held by Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who played at Euro 2016 at 40 years and 86 days, according to UEFA.