Russia to be 'amazing' as World Cup host country: Ibrahimovic

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) Former Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Tuesday that Russia will be an "amazing" host country for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting June 14.

"I think it will be amazing. It's a huge country with a lot of people. It will be nice having a World Cup there. I think it will be amazing, just like every World Cup," Ibrahimovic said in an interview with FIFA.

He added that the World Cup was "the biggest party in the world" and that he wanted to be at the tournament no matter where it is held, reports Sputnik news agency. 

"I would not miss it," Ibrahimovic said.

He also named his personal favourites able to win the upcoming World Cup.

"I think Brazil, Spain, Germany, obviously Sweden. Argentina also, even if they don't want to speak about themselves as favourites: they are. I am sorry the US is not in the World Cup because that's my new country where I live, and I would support them also," Ibrahimovic said when asked who his favourites to win the World Cup were.

Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Rio, after humiliating Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals. Spain won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.

The 36-year-old, who currently plays for US club the Los Angeles Galaxy, has played for a number of European giants, such as Juventus, Barcelona, Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, over the course of his career. 

Ibrahimovic is Sweden's all-time top goalscorer, having netted 62 goals in 116 matches before retiring from international football after Euro 2016 in France.

Sweden, who have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006, will play defending champions Germany, Mexico and South Korea in Group F.