Zlatan
Sweden beat Georgia 1-0 on Thursday.
Getty/David Lidstrom
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his return to international soccer by setting up the winning goal as Sweden beat Georgia.
  • The 39-year-old teed up teammate Viktor Claesson with a clever volley in the 35th minute.
  • "I can still do those movements, that ninja stuff," he said after.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his return to international soccer by setting up the winning goal as Sweden beat Georgia 1-0 in the opening game of World Cup 2022 qualifying on Thursday.

Ibrahimovic, making his first appearance for Sweden in almost five years, teed up Viktor Claesson for game's only goal with a clever volley in the 35th minute, which the striker himself described as "ninja stuff" after the match.

Ibrahimovic's return also meant he became the oldest player to ever represent Sweden.

Aged 39, the AC Milan striker surpassed the record of 38 years and 59 days previously held by goalkeeper Thomas Ravelli.

"The feeling was amazing. I just missed the Swedish crowd, the fans, because the last time I played here was a full stadium and the atmosphere is different when it's full but the rest was amazing," he told reporters after the match.

"I was very happy. I was very proud. I had a great feeling when I was on the field and I tried to give my best, like every time, to help the team-mates and to help myself to perform."

Ibrahimovic also warned that Sweden's future opponents that they can expect more eye-catching moments from him in the games to come.

Sweden face Kosovo in its second qualifying game on Sunday before it plays Estonia in a friendly on March 31.

"When I play, I try to do my things," he said. "There is nothing that I plan to do or think to do before a game; it's just impulsive stuff.

"I can still do those movements, that ninja stuff. I still have it in me, even if I'm 39."

Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, Germany beat Iceland 3-0, Hungary and Poland played out a 3-3 thriller, and Spain was held to a shock 1-1 draw with Greece.

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