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Barcelona's Ibrahimovic doubtful about playing for Sweden

Nov 10, 2009, 8:18 GMT

Stockholm - To the 'great surprise' of new Sweden coach Erik Hamren, Barcelona forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has expressed doubts about his future career in the national team. Hamren on Monday evening announced Ibrahimovic's decision when he presented his first squad for an upcoming friendly against Italy. The squad for the November 18 tie was announced in connection with the annual Swedish football gala, hosted this year in the southern city of Malmo. Ibrahimovic, who hails from Malmo, was not present at the gala where he won his fourth Golden Ball - an award to the best Swedish player. 'He wants to carefully consider this,' Hamren said, referring to a conversation he had on Sunday with the 28-year-old forward. Hamren, who until next August is also to continue to coach Norwegian side Rosenborg, told reporters that a 'player has to be motivated' to play for the national team. He was named successor to Lars Lagerback who stepped down last month after Sweden failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. Ibrahimovic has scored 22 goals and played 62 internationals for Sweden since 2001. Veteran defender Olof Mellberg, who was selected for the Italy friendly, is another player who said he was not sure if he would continue to play for Sweden next year.

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Barcelona's Ibrahimovic doubtful about playing for Sweden

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