Ibrahimovic to finish international career after Euro 2016

Reuters: Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Tuesday that he would retire from international football at the end of Euro 2016, adding he would remember his international career with pride not disappointment.

Announcing his decision at a press conference on the eve of Sweden’s final group game against Belgium, the 34-year-old added that he would not be taking part in the Rio Olympic soccer tournament in August as an over-age player. Sweden must beat Belgium in Group E on Wednesday to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

Ibrahimovic, who has scored 62 goals in 115 appearances, had been giving routine answers about Wednesday’s game when he suddenly switched to English and said he had a message to send.

“The last game (at Euro 2016) will be my last for Sweden, so I hope it will not be tomorrow,” he said. “To finish with a disappointment -- never.” “I am very proud of what I have achieved and, wherever I go, I will always bring the Swedish flag with me. Disappointment doesn’t exist, only pride. I’m very grateful to all the supporters.”