Former Sweden hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic has stated, in characteristically bold fashion, that the nation’s hopes have increased at World Cup 2018 because of “less pressure” following his international retirement.

Former Ajax, Juventus and Manchester United icon Ibrahimovic, 36, did not take part in qualifying and in April definitively quelled talk of a recall in time for Russia.

“I think Sweden have less pressure when I am not there and because when I am there, they are supposed to win everything,” said Sweden’s record goal scorer.

Watch his full comments below.