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Sweden announces Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not return for World Cup

Italy v Sweden - Group E: UEFA Euro 2016

TOULOUSE, FRANCE - JUNE 17: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden looks dejected following defeat in the UEFA EURO 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden at Stadium Municipal on June 17, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s public flirtation and seeming committal to returning to the Swedish national team for the World Cup was a big tease.

Whether it’s his call or not is up for debate.

The Swedish Football Association reports that it’s spoken with Ibrahimovic and the 35-year-old LA Galaxy striker has declined the chance to return to the fold.

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Sweden’s sporting director Lars Richt says Ibrahimovic has not changed his mind on international retirement despite his own words.

Sweden’s current team may have a role in that.

We imagine Richt and Sweden may be cushioning the blow for Ibrahimovic, especially if national team goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson is speaking on behalf of a team vibe when he speaks of Zlatan being “an individualist” who could ruin Sweden’s team-first concept.

Follow @NicholasMendola