Federation captain Janne Andersson and Milanstjärnan began the gathering with a joint press conference.
Janne Andersson came in first, behind him came Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a slightly wrinkled forehead.
Andersson began by saying that he wants the press conference with Zlatan completed in order to then be able to tone down the focus on the team star.
– There is a great interest in his return, Andersson says and quickly leaves the floor to Zlatan.
Zlatan talks about the first meeting with Janne Andersson in Milan, the autumn meeting that opened the door for the national team.
– We understood each other immediately and were very positive. In the end, it is about what is best for Sweden. He knows what is best for Sweden and I know what is best for Sweden.
Zlatan rallies a bit as before.
– I’m just a piece of the puzzle among many pieces of the puzzle. If you ask me, I’m the best in the world, he says with a smile.
Zlatan says he is ready for the national team.
– I will decide all matches Janne wants me to decide. Right now it feels good, I’m strong. I feel that I am on top, says Zlatan.
He tells that there are some new faces in the squad, many much younger than 39-year-old Ibrahimovic.
– Do not mention my age, I am as young as you, he says happily and age becomes a recurring feature in the show.
Several of the players have had Zlatan as an idol.
– We will forget that, when we are on the plane we are one. Am I their idol? Then I did something good.
He talks about how he developed as a player.
– I adapt and do what I think is best for the team. I focus on the last third on the pitch, where I am life threatening.
At the end of its previous period in the national team, Zlatan was Sweden’s team captain. Now he is willing to play without the bandage on his arm.
– In my head, Andreas Granqvist is team captain, he will remain team captain.
He says he will play with jersey number 11 which he borrowed from Alexander Isak.
He still has the winner’s skull and the belief in success is there.
– I always believe in success, if I come to the European Championships I want to win the European Championships, I will win the European Championships.
After 32 minutes with Zlatan in the center, Janne Andersson finally gets a question
– Thank you for giving me a question Johan, Andersson says to DN’s columnist Johan Esk.
Andersson describes how he will use Zlatan’s experience.
– If you can use the players’ experience, you can succeed, we will talk a lot just like I do with other players.
After just over 56 minutes, the press conference ends with Zlatan marching out with Janne Andersson on his heels.
Sweden meets Georgia on Thursday 25 March 20.45 at home at Friends arena. On Sunday, Kosovo will be away at the same time.
The national team gathering ends with a training match against Estonia at home on March 31, 17.45.
Read more:
Zlatan back in the national team – in the World Cup qualifying squad
Janne Andersson: “Zlatan has never called me a racist”
Johan Esk: Easy to see “Granens” comeback as a signal to Zlatan
The Joker in Janne’s troupe: “A fantastic feeling”
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