Ibrahimovic insists Sweden career is over regardless of play-off outcome

Sweden's possible berth in next summer's World Cup won't be enough to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of retirement.

The Manchester United forward last featured for Sweden at the 2016 European Championship in France before announcing his decision to step away from the international stage.

Ahead of Sweden's World Cup play-off with Italy on Friday, Ibrahimovic stayed true to his decision to retire by insisting that returning to fitness and featuring for Manchester United this season are his primary objectives.

"I am not thinking about Sweden or the World Cup," he told Sky Sports Italy, as translated by Marcus Christenson of the Guardian. "I am just thinking about returning to full fitness as soon as possible.

"My story with the national team is finished. Maybe I could have done more, maybe I could have done less, but my time (with them) has come to an end. Either way it would be beautiful if Sweden reached the World Cup."

The 36-year-old forward has been out of action since April, when he suffered ligament damage in his knee.

He re-signed with United during the summer and is expected to be available in the coming months.

Sweden hosts Italy, which has only missed out on qualifying for the World Cup once, before the second leg on Nov. 13.