Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been named Swedish Footballer of the Year for the 11th time in 12 years. The Swedish Football Association have announced plans to immortalize one of their greats by erecting a statue in his honour at outside the Friends Arena – the country’s national stadium located at the Swedish capital of Stockholm. The Red Devils striker who called time on his international career after the Euro 2016 has scored 62 goals in 116 games for his country was presented with the Golden Ball prize and a miniature replica of the statue.
Reacting to the honour, the former PSG forward said,
After 20 years of hard work I got a statue in the capital city of Sweden. Who else.
Super proud, happy, emotional, wow and thank you Sweden.
Meanwhile, David Beckham in a video message described the 35 year-old as one of the greatest players whose physique, passion and love for the game hasn’t changed.
“He’s still one of the greatest players that has ever played the game – one of the reasons why I’m happy he is now playing at Manchester United, my team. Thanks for that, Zlatan.” Beckham added.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores 25,000th goal of EPL
Manchester United striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has just achieved a significant goal scoring milestone.
The Swede’s goal drought came to an end in dramatic fashion today as his brace and Paul Pogba’s strike saw the Red Devils defeat Swansea City 3-1 in their premier league clash. Interestingly the former PSG star’s goals were historic. While the first was the 25,000th goal in the English Premier League (EPL) football history, the second was his 400th club career goal..
“I thought that was only me who had scored 25,000”. The 35 year-old reacted.
Ibrahimovic's body movements is a disappointment- Owen
Despite netting the only goal in United’s victory over Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League last night, Swedish striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s performance has been criticised by former English footballer, Michael Owen.
He told BT Sport.
“His movement disappoints me a bit. He just stands a lot. Because of his height he gets away with it. There was no movement from him tonight. He just tends to stand at the back post and wait for the ball. There were a few crosses tonight and he stayed in the same position.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed he's the God of Manchester United
If you know Zlatan so well, this assertion should be least surprising.
So Manchester United legend Eric Cantona starred in a new video for Eurosport where he welcomed the Swedish striker and told him it is the “best choice you ever made… You will know, my friend, that you finally made it home.”
Then he made a statement which didn’t sit well with the former Barcelona player. “there can only be one King in Manchester. You can be the Prince if you want to.” He said.
Zlatan then gave a lethal response. “I admire Cantona. And I heard what he said. But I won’t be King of Manchester. I will be God of Manchester.” he said
"I am coming". Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally announces Manchester United move
Call it one of the worst kept secrets in football and you won’t be wrong. Former Sweden player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has finally announced his move to Premier League outfit, Manchester United.
He opened the lid on his Instagram page saying, “Time to let the world know. My next destination is @manchesterunited. #iamcoming” The former PSG player has now reunited with former boss, Jose Mourinho.
Ibrahimovic pays tribute to himself upon retirement.
Sweden soccer star, Ibrahimovic has penned a tribute to himself upon his retirement from international duty. The former PSG striker played his final game for his country last night as Sweden got eliminated from Euro 2016 following their loss to Belgium. The Manchester United target who scored 62 goals for the national team couldn’t find the net in the tournament.
“I came from this place people call “ghetto Rosengard”, conquered Sweden and made it my country.
‘My way. I am Sweden.
‘A huge thank you to the Swedish people – without you I would never have been able to fulfil my dreams.
‘You will always be in my blue and yellow heart. I love you.’ He wrote on Instagram.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to retire from international football after Euro 2016
Sweden international, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that he will call time on his international career after Euro 2016. The 34-year-old who made the disclosure in a press conference held today already has netted 62 goals for Sweden.
“I will not participate in the Olympics because my last game will be the last game Sweden does in this Euro. So let’s hope it goes as long as possible.
To finish in a disappointment, never. Because I’m very proud to be the captain of Sweden and of what I’ve achieved. “I want to take this moment and thank all the supporters because they made it possible for me to achieve what I have achieved. Without them it would not have been possible. So wherever I go, wherever I come, I’ll always bring the Swedish flag with me and stand with it. So for me disappointment doesn’t exist, only proudness. I’m very thankful. So thank you.”
Ibrahimovic not allowed to fly to Manchester to complete Old Trafford move
Ibrahimovic has been told by Sweden’s coach,Erik Hamren to wait until Sweden’s Euro campaign is over before he completes
his move to Manchester United. The Sweden international who has been heavily linked
with a reunion with former boss, Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford is
preparing for the tournament which officially kicks off today.
“Players have their
leisure time on the schedule – there’s nothing I can control. But it would not
be OK for Zlatan to fly to Manchester. “I’m 100% sure it will not affect
Zlatan. He has been in the business a long time.
leisure time on the schedule – there’s nothing I can control. But it would not
be OK for Zlatan to fly to Manchester. “I’m 100% sure it will not affect
Zlatan. He has been in the business a long time.
“I understand there
is a lot of Zlatan media. Not only in Sweden. I understand that. But with us,
it is nothing. He handles it perfectly. The players are familiar with it. You
can be calm – there is nothing that has affected us negatively in the group.
Absolutely nothing.” Erik said.
is a lot of Zlatan media. Not only in Sweden. I understand that. But with us,
it is nothing. He handles it perfectly. The players are familiar with it. You
can be calm – there is nothing that has affected us negatively in the group.
Absolutely nothing.” Erik said.
Reason Zlatan Ibrahimovic's transfer to Manchester United is delayed
According to The UK Telegraph, Manchester United are prepared to delay the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer until next month so that the striker can collect a large loyalty bonus from Paris St-Germain after his contract expires on June 30.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of his new fashion line, he 34-year-old said: “There is no confirmation. No saying ‘yes’. You will have to be patient with me. I want you to keep wondering where I will go, keep making stories, and when I am tired I will let you know when my next destination is.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic unveils 'A-Z'
Remember Swedish powerhouse, Zlatan Ibrahimovic promised to make a big announcement today as regards his next destination, well, he kept true to his words only that the topic was about his new business venture and not his Old Trafford move as many had expected.
The former PSG striker has unveiled his very own sportswear brand, A-Z. The collections will launch in 11 countries, namely Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Holland , France, the UK, Austria, Spain and Italy.
“I didn’t start out with high-tech gear playing on a field that was always green. I started out on a hard court outside my mom’s apartment, with a strong mindset. This mindset has taken me on a journey beyond anyone’s expectations. It has brought me to where I am today.” The former Barcelona forward said.
“You don’t need a lot of gear to train to train hard. All you really need is one t-shirt, one pair of shorts, one pair of shoes. And then it’s up to you.” Zlatan added.