Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said his return to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a matter for which he would be the only one to make a decision after joining the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The 36-year-old Swede has retired from international football after the 2016 European Cup. However, questions about the possibility of his return have been on the rise since his country qualified for the World Cup, which will take place between June 14 and July 15.
In his first press conference after joining Los Angeles Galaxy this week, Ibrahimovic did not resolve the controversy about his return to the team, but he looked as sharp as usual in his comments.
"Let me first enjoy things here," he said in response to a question about his participation in the World Cup, referring to his new American experience.
"My focus is on the Galaxy, well preparing for the Galaxy, the World Cup is another matter, I said that before, there's no need for anyone to call anyone, if I want to, I'll be at the World Cup no matter what they say."
The statement appeared to be a response to comments made this month by Sweden coach Jan Anderson, in which he called on Ibrahimovic to "contact me" to discuss his return to the Swedish squad, in what seemed a hint from the coach that he would not be the initiator to invite Ibrahimovic to return.
They will say they have a good squad, but so far they have not won anything, and I know how to win, "Ibrahimovic said in his comments on Friday.
The striker is the best scorer in his country's history, with 62 goals in 116 international appearances. Ibrahimovic took part in Sweden's World Cup twice (2002 and 2006) when his country reached the final round.
The Swede was officially introduced Friday as the Los Angeles Galaxy after Manchester United agreed this week to break his contract. Ibrahimovic did not finish his second season with the club, although his contract was due to expire at the end of the season.
In his first season with United, Swede scored 28 goals, but he did not have a similar success in the second season, especially after months of absence from a knee injury in April 2017. Zlatan played his last game with United on December 26, scoring only one goal since returning in November.