Ibrahimovic looks forward to Hungary test
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said he is ready for his first competitve international fixture in ten months when Sweden faces Hungary on Friday.
The game marks the beginning of Sweden's campaign in Group E of the 2012 European championship qualifiers, where Ibrahimovic's team are likely to battle with the Netherlands for first place.
Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm on Wednesday, Ibrahimovic said he was excited to return to international football.
"I haven't played with the national team in six or seven months," the Swedish captain said, slightly understating the length of his hiatus from the team. "Now I just want to produce results and entertain the fans."
Relieved at AC Milan switch
Ibrahimovic joined the Swedish team on Monday evening after a hectic couple of days saw him complete a move to Italian side AC Milan from Barcelona.
The deal, which sees Ibrahimovic join Milan on loan this season before the club have the option to buy next summer, followed intense speculation surrounding the Swede's future in the last few months.
Ibrahimovic said the switch will bring the joy back to his game after having fallen out of favour with Barca manager Pep Guardiola in March this year.
"[Joining Milan] gives me an extra kick. I am hungrier and more motivated now. I want to play football and feel the joy for the game. That is something I have missed in the last six months."
Free role in attack
Sweden's new manager Erik Hamren delighted in the return of his star striker. Ibrahimovic will continue to captain the Swedish team and provide the bulk of the team's inspiration going forward.
The 28-year-old said that a free role as lone striker in Hamren's 4-2-3-1 system suited him best.
"I think I will be given the freedom [I need in the new system]. If I am not given it, I will take it," he said with a laugh.
Hamren will have no complaints. Such is the striker's stature in his home country.
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