Ibrahimovic turns down World Cup comeback after speculation

Ending weeks of speculation, the Swedish football federation announced today that star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who quit the national squad in 2016, will not make a comeback for the World Cup in Russia.

"I spoke with Zlatan on Tuesday. He said that he has not changed his mind regarding the national squad," the managing director of the national squad, Lars Richt, said in a statement after the player dropped numerous hints of a possible return.

"It's a no," Richt added.

In an appearance on ABC television's late night Jimmy Kimmel show on April 18, the new star of LA Galaxy teased fans that he may come out of retirement to play in Russia.

Known for his swagger, Zlatan said "it wouldn't be a World Cup" if he didn't play, adding: "I'm going to the World Cup, yes."
The 6ft 4ins (1.95m) striker tweeted on April 15: "The chance of me playing in the World Cup is skyh?ga (sky high)."
He later told Swedish media that "high odds -- that doesn't mean it's going to happen."
- 'Doesn't change anything'-
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In trademark style, he announced his arrival in Los Angeles with a full-page advert in the LA Times reading simply: "Dear Los Angeles, You're welcome."