Ibrahimovic sulks

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has refused to play for Sweden in their next two Euro 2008 qualifying matches after being sent home after he was part of a trio that enjoyed a night out prior to their last match against Liechtenstein.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic in action for Sweden

Inter Milan’s Ibrahimovic, Nantes midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson and Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg were dismissed from the team camp by coach Lars Lagerback after breaking the team’s curfew.

“I do not think that I can persuade someone to play in the national side or, based on FIFA’s rules, make them play,” Lagerback said.

Despite Wilhelmsson and Mellberg claiming they were ready to play, the mercurial Ibrahimovic has stated he will not play against Spain on October 7 and Iceland four days later.

“If a player does not want to play, for whatever reason, then I do not see that he gives anything to the team. Then I would rather have a player who wants to take part 100 percent,” Lagerback added.

Sweden lie first and are unbeaten in Group F qualifying.

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies