Love him. Hate him. But can you ignore him? He is such an amazing personality. And likewise an equally gifted footballer. He is a genius.
On pitch, he can do things, which mere mortals dread to think of. Off the pitch, he is equally a tough person to deal with. And normally those who are outspoken-type, they tend to court controversy anyway.
Lets have a look at some amazing quotes from the talisman Sweden International. We pick up ten of his very best here, enjoy!
I AM ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
I AM ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC, Zlatan’s autobiography, has been called the “best footballer’s autobiography of recent years” by the Financial Times. It’s a rip-roaring tale as Zlatan takes you from his poverty-stricken upbringing as an immigrant in Malmö, Sweden, to becoming one of the world’s most sought-after and expensive players, gracing Europe’s finest clubs, from Ajax to Juventus, Internazionale to Barcelona, Milan to Paris Saint-Germain.
I AM ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is available from Amazon (£8.99 Penguin paperback, £3.99 Kindle edition).
Zlatan’s Best Quotes
On poor Henchoz
He bamboozled former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz with his majestic skills. The former Switzerland defender was left bewildered by fancy tricks, but the event was made memorable by Zlatan’s own admission of superiority after the encounter.
He said: “First I went left, he did too. Then I went right, and he did too. Then I went left again and he went to buy a hot dog.”
On his Trial at Arsenal
Zlatan holds a high respect and admiration for Jose Mourinho (more about that later) but he was not clearly impressed with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. He was linked with a move to Arsenal back in 2000, when he was playing for Swede club Malmo. Wenger offered him a trail before a decision could be taken, to which Zlatan politely declined.
He said: “Arsene gave me the famous red and white jersey – the No 9 shirt with Ibrahimovic on it and I was so pleased I even posed for a picture wearing it,”
“It was a fantastic moment for me. Arsenal had a great team then and here was an Arsenal shirt made just for me. So then I waited for him to convince me that I should join Arsenal. But he didn’t even try.
“He never actually made me a serious offer, it was more, “I want to see how good you are, what kind of player you are. Have a trial”. I couldn’t believe it. I was like, ‘No way, Zlatan doesn’t do auditions’.”
On Jose Mourinho
Zlatan regards Jose Mourinho in the highest esteem and likewise, he has strong aversion for Pep Guardiola. A quote from his autobiography, where his admiration for the Chelsea boss is evident:
Jose Mourinho is a big star…He’s cool. The first time he met [my wife] he whispered to her: ‘Helena, you have only one mission. Feed Zlatan, let him sleep, keep him happy!’ The guy says what he wants. I like him.
And now this one, a direct comparison with Mr. Guardiola:
“Mourinho is Guardiola’s opposite. If Mourinho brightens up the room, Guardiola pulls down the curtains and I guessed that Guardiola now tried to measure himself with him.”
On Guardiola’s philosophy
Sometimes you need to just unleash charismatic players instead of holding them down with theories, plans and philosophies. Same has happened with Zlatan, who had least interest in the long and arcane footballing concepts of the Spaniard.
“Then he started his philosopher thing. I was barely listening. Why would I? It was advanced bullshit about Blood, sweat and Tears, that kind of stuff.”
On his Unique Style
People say he is enigma. But, when asked about his style of play he simply replied – “Zlatan-style”. Short. Simple. Magnificent.
On Women
Once a reporter asked him “who is the best looking woman in the world?”. Zlatan coolly replied –“I don’t know. But when I find her, I will date her.”
On another incident, one reporter curiously asked the Swede why he had scratches and scars on his face.
He answered: “Well…I don’t know… you’ll have to ask your wife about that.”
On Sexuality
Media always have an issue with Zlatan and it was rumoured back in 2010 that the Swede and Shakira’s boyfriend Gerard Pique, who was his team-mate then, were having a homosexual affair.
When a female reporter wanted to hear more from it, he said:
“Come over to my house baby, and bring your sister. I’ll show you who’s gay!”
On his Family
When asked what he got his wife for her birthday, he replied – “Nothing, she already has Zlatan.”
And when asked “What would you name your son”, he said “Zlatan JR”. Sadly, his kids were not named after their father.
On Super Mario
Mario Balotelli has that bad boy image too. But, Zlatan isn’t a bad boy. He is a unique-boy. He has that touch of class with everything he does that separates him from others.
We all laughed about Balotelli’s infamous firework incident. Well, this is what Zlatan had to say:
“I like fireworks too, but I set them off in gardens or kebab stands. I never set fire to my own house.”
And Finally on Zlatan’s Philosophy
He believes hard work can take a person to a certain extent but other things you’re just born with. It is destiny. And probably he is right.
“To make him happy and everybody else. You were born as the one you are. I mean destiny, yes there is destiny. Some things is made by destiny yes, other things by hard work, but quality you don’t learn.”
Take a bow, Zlatan…
I AM ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
I AM ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC, Zlatan’s autobiography, has been called the “best footballer’s autobiography of recent years” by the Financial Times. It’s a rip-roaring tale as Zlatan takes you from his poverty-stricken upbringing as an immigrant in Malmö, Sweden, to becoming one of the world’s most sought-after and expensive players, gracing Europe’s finest clubs, from Ajax to Juventus, Internazionale to Barcelona, Milan to Paris Saint-Germain.
I AM ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is available from Amazon (£8.99 Penguin paperback, £3.99 Kindle edition).
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