There are few footballers who could match their arrogance on the mic with their performances on the pitch. Having represented European powerhouses like AC Milan, Juventus, FC Barcelona, Paris St. Germain & Manchester United at different stages of his careers, Zlatan is one of the most decorated strikers in the history of the game. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Zlatan Ibrahimović , the ‘Lion’, as he calls himself.
Zlatan is a bully
The Swedish striker had a difficult childhood after his parents parted ways when he was only two. Before shifting his focus entirely to football, Zlatan used to steal bicycles and was a bully in school. Despicable about the great striker, about Zlatan Ibrahimović!
Zlatan holds a record like no other
Zlatan represented multiple clubs in the UEFA Champions League throughout his career. He scored for 6 different clubs in the Champions League, namely Ajax, Juventus, Inter, AC Milan, PSG and Barcelona. This is a record he is bound to hold for a long time to come, we bet you didn’t know this about Zlatan Ibrahimović.
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Neither of Zlatan’s parents are Swedish
Zlatan Ibrahimović represented Sweden at the international level although none of his parents come from Sweden. His father was from Bosnia and mother was a Croatian. They met in Sweden and had Zlatan. This also means that Ibrahimović could have chosen to represent either of his parents’ native countries as an international footballer. Phew! Interesting fact about Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Zlatan holds two Black Belts
Football apart, Ibrahimović is a beast in the ring as well. While in Sweden, he earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo at the tender age of 17. Then, while playing in Italy, the Italian Taekwondo Team gifted him an honorary Black belt. Isn’t it amazing to know about Zlatan Ibrahimović?
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Zlatan is in the Swedish dictionary
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a God in Sweden. There’s no denying that the Swedish people look upto him as a hero. So, it’s not a surprise when a word was added to the Swedish dictionary, ‘Zlatanate’ which translates to ‘to dominate’. Godly about Zlatan Ibrahimović?
Move aside Neymar, Zlatan is the Costliest Footballer
While in terms of single transfers, Gareth Bale, Neymar or Joao Felix rank very high, the combined fees of Zlatan’s transfers over the course of his career is over 150 million pounds, which is by far the highest clubs have cashed out for a player.
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A Fan of Al Pacino
Ibrahimović is an Al Pacino fan and watches his favorite film Scarface at least twice or thrice a year. He has gone on record to express that it would be his pleasure to host the Hollywood superstar for dinner sometime. Great Footballer, an ardent fan- fascinating about Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Zlatan could have been at Southampton
Zlatan Ibrahimović had set foot on most European countries and won trophies before he finally joined Manchester United in England. He could have come to UK a lot earlier though. When he was struggling for form at Ajax, the club had decided to offload him to the Saints. However, he blocked the move and it never happened.
Zlatan cannot stand one of the best coaches in the World
Throughout his glittering career, the Swede has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in football coaching, Pep Guardiola being one of them. The pair united during Guardiola’s time at FC Barcelona. However, Zlatan was never on good terms with the Catalan who would go on to win a treble for Barca. He has talked about his dislike openly and mocks Pep at every opportunity. Gutsy thing to know about Zlatan Ibrahimović!
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Puking Zlatan
Zlatan Ibrahimović is confident on the outside, a character of strength, a self-motivated individual. However, when Zlatan is tense, or is injured or insulted, he vomits a lot.