The Manchester United forward said his absence is being felt by his national side, but it is not all doom and gloom for the 2018 World Cup hopefuls
Former Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic said retiring from the national team has allowed the country to play without pressure as his departure lowered expectations.
Manchester United striker Ibrahimovic ended his international career following Euro 2016 after 116 caps and a record 62 goals.
Ibrahimovic-less Sweden are preparing for Friday's opening leg of their 2018 World Cup play-off against Italy in Stockholm, and the 36-year-old said while his absence is felt, Janne Andersson's men are still a talented team.