Zlatan Ibrahimovic has pledged to continue his international career with Sweden, already looking ahead to the 2014 World Cup after an early exit at the European Championship.
Sweden was eliminated from Euro 2012 after losing to Ukraine and England in its first two group games, leading some to wonder whether the 30-year-old Ibrahimovic, who has taken breaks from international duty in the past, would return to the team when World Cup qualifying starts.
But “Ibra” said he has no plans on quitting just yet.
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“I’ll continue with the national team, absolutely,” he said at a news conference. “I’m still motivated and I want a lot more. This doesn’t mean anything in my mind. It just makes me more motivated.”
At a news conference on Sunday, the AC Milan forward said “I’ll continue with the national team, absolutely,” adding that “I’m still motivated and I want a lot more.”
Despite transfer rumours, Ibrahimovic said he expects to stay in Milan for the remaining two years of his contract.
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“I want to get better than I am, and I want to continue to develop,” he said.
Ibrahimovic was seen as the key for Sweden to make a run at the Euros, but few have blamed him for the team’s failure, as defensive mistakes were largely at fault for a 2-1 loss to Ukraine and 3-2 defeat against England. Ibrahimovic gave Sweden the lead against the Ukrainians, but was held scoreless for the first time in five internationals against England.
“Physically and mentally I’ve felt really good,” Ibrahimovic said. “But what good is that when you don’t win? I’d rather win and not play well than to play well and not win.”