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24.05.2016 Sports News

Ibrahimovic could play at Rio 2016 Games - if he wants to

By GNA
Ibrahimovic could play at Rio 2016 Games - if he wants to
24.05.2016 LISTEN

Stockholm, May 24, (GNA/dpa) - Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic could play at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August - if he wants to, a report said Tuesday.

Although he is 34, Ibrahimovic could be one of three players of the over age 23, who could theoretically be included in the Olympic squad.

"I think there is a chance whereever he goes," Sweden under-21 coach Hakan Ericson was quoted as telling Stockholm daily Aftonbladet.

"If he wants to, there are possibilities. He is one of the few players in the world who can set the terms and tell his club that he wants to play at the Olympics," Ericson added.

Ericson said that Argentina's Lionel Messi played at the Beijing 2008 Games and Brazil's Neymar is due to play in Rio.

Ericson has talked to players gathered for Sweden's Euro 2016 preparations to sound out interest in taking part at the Rio Games.

The coach said "interest was high" but he declined to comment if he had discussed the Olympics with Ibrahimovic or name other players he had met, the report said.

"The clubs are a major issue," Ericson said, adding there was also "uncertainty if it is possible to combine two championships during the same summer."

Euro 2016 in France runs from June 10 until July 10, and the Olympics take place August 5-21.

Ibrahimovic at the weekend made his last appearance for Paris Saint-Germain, and speculation is rife he might sign for Premier League side Manchester United.

Ericson must announce a provisional 35-strong squad by June 1, and the deadline for the final squad comprising 18 players and four reserves is July 14, according to the ruling body FIFA.

Sweden qualified for the Olympics last year after winning the under-21 European Championships in the Czech Republic.

GNA

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