Veteran Ibrahimovic believes in it! The striker announced on Tuesday that he hopes to feature in the European Championships next year despite his age, as the Swedish side prepare for their first qualifying game against Belgium. At 41, Zlatan could beat Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff’s record as the oldest player to play in a Euro qualifier (40 years and 90 days), set in 1983.
“I don’t plan too far, given what I’ve been through with injuries and such. If I feel good physically, I will continue, ”said the former Parisian to journalists who asked him about his intentions to participate in Euro 2024 in Germany, if Sweden qualified.
Last weekend, the former Parisian made history by becoming the oldest player to score a goal in Italian Serie A, against Udinese. Although happy with his achievement, the footballer said he still wished he could “be compared to everyone else” and not just look impressive for his age. “I am not here to do charity. I am here to play my game and to bring results through my performances. So I hope I can continue to do so,” he explains.
If Sweden qualify for Euro 2024, Ibra could also break the record for the oldest player participating in the European Championship, held by Hungarian Gabor Kiraly who was 40 at Euro 2016.
After Sweden failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Ibrahimovic said he was “freaking out” at the thought of retiring. Sweden will face Belgium on Friday and Azerbaijan on March 27. All three countries are in qualifying group F, with Estonia and Austria, the top two advancing to the knockout stage.
