Famously regarded as the ‘bad boy’ of football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic called time on his football career earlier this year in June. The 42-year-old played his last season at AC Milan and hung up his boots. Zlatan returned to Europe for his last professional stint with MLS side LA Galaxy in 2020.
The Swedish legend bid an emotional farewell following his retirement announcement after a nearly decade-long professional career representing major clubs such as Inter Milan, PSG, Ajax, AC Milan, and Manchester United. Ibrahimovic is also known for not holding back with his responses, and he recently took a hilarious dig at none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ibrahimovic’s hilarious dig at Ronaldo
After retirement, Zlatan made his public comeback with an interview with the British broadcaster and media personality Piers Morgan on his television show called “Piers Morgan Uncensored.” Zlatan touched upon several aspects and answered questions about Saudi club transfers.
On being asked about possible ventures outside Europe, Ibrahimovic revealed that despite having several offers from China and Saudi Arabia, he instead chose Europe to end his career on a big stage. The former Manchester United player also raised doubts about Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
During the interview, Zlatan also questioned the motives of some of the biggest stars who moved to Saudi clubs. He said, “I had an offer also from China. I had an offer also from Saudi, but the situation is, what do you want? What objectives do you have? I said before we started that certain players need to finish their career on the big stage because that is the high end of your career.”
“You have to be remembered for your talent, not for what you earned. Because if you were remembered oppositely, what we are training every day for, what we are being recognized for, is our talent and that’s what you want to be remembered for” he added further.
Ronaldo’s move paves the way for Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson and Neymar’s transfer
The former PSG and Milan forward expressed his views on the high-profile transfers, questioning the motives behind players like Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Al-Nassr, Neymar to Al-Hilal, and Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and Kante joining Al-Ittihad.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, numerous other big names from Europe have followed his footsteps to Saudi Arabia. Evidently, it’s the Portuguese superstar who opened the gateway to other players and managers enhancing the Saudi Pro League’s profile.
What is your take on Ibrahimovic’s comments? Make sure to tell us in the comments.
