Sweden manager Janne Andersson has ruled out calling up Zlatan Ibrahimovic for this summer's World Cup finals.
Ibrahimovic, who is now plying his trade for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, last featured for the Blue-Yellow at Euro 2016.
The 36-year-old has dropped a number of hints over the past week that he will consider coming out of international retirement to play a part in Russia, however, suggesting that there is a "sky high" chance of him being involved.
Andersson has put a stop to that notion, though, by categorically stating that the former Manchester United striker is not in his plans.
"Zlatan and a number of other players said they did not want to join the national team after the European Championships in France, and I respect that," he told TV4.
"But what the media is speculating about and what Zlatan himself is talking about, I cannot relate to that. I relate to what has been said between us. We have had a deal where we agreed on what was going on and where he was very clear to me. I agreed with that."
Asked to confirm whether Ibrahimovic was part of his plans, Andersson added: "No, absolutely not. Because he has said 'no'. The others who have said 'no' are not included, either. Those who are included are those who have said 'yes'."
Sweden will face South Korea, Germany and Mexico in the World Cup group stage.
Daniel Lewis
