On Sunday 4th June 2023, the football world witnessed the end of the era of one of football’s most prolific players to have ever graced the sport.
Born on October 3, 1981, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Sweden player who has played football in both Europe and America for the last 24 years.
“I say goodbye to football, but not to you. See you around, if you’re lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye,” the Swede told the San Siro crowd.
Apart from his excellent skills and massive talent, Zlatan was very controversial off the pitch, and here are some unforgettable highlights of the legendary footballer off the field that he dominated for over 24 years of his footballing career.
Racial controversy: In 2018, Ibrahimovic was accused of making racially insensitive comments towards a rival player during a match in Major League Soccer (MLS). The incident sparked controversy, and he faced criticism for his alleged remarks.
Comments on Pep Guardiola and his book: In his autobiography “I am Zlatan,” Ibrahimovic made several controversial statements about his former coach, Pep Guardiola, and criticized his coaching methods.
“When you buy me, you are buying a Ferrari. If you drive a Ferrari, you put premium gasoline in the tank, you hit the motorway, and you step on the gas. Guardiola filled up with diesel and took a spin in the countryside. He should have bought a Fiat.”
Taunting of fans: Ibrahimovic has occasionally been involved in incidents where he taunted opposing fans. One notable instance occurred during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, when he directed derogatory gestures towards the Bordeaux fans.
Insulting referees: In 2011, he was accused of insulting a referee after being sent off during a match. He was later fined and suspended for one match. In 2016, he was accused of making sexist comments about a female referee. He later apologized for his comments.
Threatening Van der Vaart
During their time together at Ajax, Rafael van der Vaart suffered an ankle ligament injury that he claimed was the result of a deliberate foul by Ibrahimovic. Zlatan disagreed with the Dutchman.
“I didn’t injure you on purpose, and you know that. If you accuse me again, I’ll break both your legs, and that time it will be on purpose.” Zlatan added.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic quotes
“I can’t help but laugh at how perfect I am.”
“I came like a king, left like a legend.”
“Lions do not compare themselves to humans.”
“I don’t just score goals, I make them.”
“I have met God, and he has nothing to say to me.”
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Zlatan: “Only God knows who will go through.”
Reporter: “It’s hard to ask him.”
Zlatan: “You’re talking to him.”
“Arsene Wenger asked me to have a trial with Arsenal when I was 17. I turned it down. Zlatan doesn’t do auditions.”
“It’s true I don’t know much about the players here, but they definitely know who I am.”
“A World Cup without me is nothing to watch, so it it’s not worth waiting for the World Cup.”
Once, a female reporter asked him if he was homosexual.
Zlatan’s response: “Come to my house, and you’ll see if I’m gay. And bring your sister.”
Another reporter inquired as to the origin of some scratches on Ibrahimovic’s face.
“You’ll have to ask your wife that.” Zlatan answered.
What others say about him.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United manager, referred to Zlatan as a complete player. “He is good with the head, plays with both legs in the air, has brilliant dribbling skills, is one-on-one in the box, and is a clinical finisher.” Ferguson added.
Jose Mourinho, the current AS Roma coach, described Zlatan as a tough opponent that you wouldn’t want to play when he is in his prime.
“No defender wants to play against Zlatan, he can surely cause trouble anytime.” Jose Noted.
Former Manchester United teammate Romelu Lukaku once said that “when we have Zlatan on the pitch, then you are confident that a goal can come any time; he is one of the best strikers we have now in Europe.”
