'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Actions speak louder than words. But not in the case of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, where actions and words speak just as loud as each other. The man is a walking effigy of confidence. Certainly, the great Swede needs no special introduction.
Probably one of the most prolific strikers of his age (or, the most prolific, according to him) Zlatan has a god-gifted (sorry, but how can he gift himself?!) knack of entertaining fans both on and off the pitch. He is by far the most outspoken footballer the world has ever seen. Although he is famous for his rants and endless controversies, the fans still love him.
We even have footballers like Mario Balotelli and Nicklas Bendtner, who are equally outspoken off the pitch. But, they are nowhere near to Zlatan when it comes to performing on the pitch.
Of course, his antic statements might be a reason for this. But, there's another. He does what he says. He might say he can strike a wonderful goal, and he will go out and do that. Apparently, his goals aren't ordinary, they are out of the world. Ibra is an absolute joy to watch and even more hilarious to follow!
All of us are familiar with his mind-blowing quotes. But, here are seven of his latest and craziest quotes. Certainly, Zlatan can't get crazier than this!
#8: Self-appraisal for his perfection
I cant help but laugh at how perfect I am.
Of course, he is! Watch a number of jaw-dropping goals he has scored in his career. Zlatan has made it a habit to poach goals out of the most unexpected circumstances. Certainly, he is bound to feel on top of the world.
#7: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and John Carew
What Carew does with a football, I can do with an orange.
When Norweigan international John Carew rendered many of Zlatan's abilities on the pitch to be 'pointless', he did seriously displease the charismatic Swede.
And the result? Carew's ability was compared to an orange.
Certainly, the Norweigan must keep one thing in mind. Zlatan never likes his abilities being doubted by anybody. And if you do, better be ready to fall flat on your face. Apparently, this hilarious reply has gone down to be one of the ultimate favourites of the Swede's fans.
Also, Carew must have learned a thing. Never mess with Zlatan!
#6: The Hotdog quote
First I went left, he did too. Then I went right, he did too. Then I went left again and he went to get a hot dog.
Zlatan can be a nightmare for any defender who faces him. This rant was aimed at former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz. The way Zlatan describes his sheer ability with the ball gives birth to another of his most famous quotes.
In his time with Ajax, Ibrahimovic faced Liverpool and Henchoz was marking him for those ninety minutes. But, the Liverpool defender found it pretty tough to control Ibra, who outclassed him on multiple occasions. This sly dig was the perfect way for Zlatan to describe his superior abilities.
#5: Zlatan, the lion
Lions, they don't compare themselves to humans.
The Premier League is a home to some of the best strikers of the current age. And, it is a must for a striker like Zlatan Ibrahimovic to grace the league. Also, he proved his doubters wrong by having a 20-goal debut season in England. Not every newcomer achieves this. But this is Zlatan that we are talking about!
When Zlatan was asked in an interview about the best strikers in the Premier League, he named Aguero and Lukaku to be in the crop. Although, it was a weird thing Zlatan didn't include himself on the list. Apparently, he had an interesting reason for not including himself in the upper echelon.
When pressed on why he didn't include himself, Ibrahimovic didn't hesitate to make this statement. Another of his classy replies for the fans to celebrate!
#4: The God of Manchester
I admire Cantona and I heard what he said. But I won’t be King of Manchester. I will be God of Manchester.
Former United legend Eric 'The King' Cantona lauded Ibrahimovic's stellar performances on his arrival to the Premier League. The Frenchman also deemed Ibra as his 'natural heir'. Cantona also quoted that it was after a long time that he has found someone who starkly resembles him.
Ibrahimovic does have the aura as that of Cantona. Also, there's a stark resemblance in the way they have had an effect on the club.
But, Cantona did warn Zlatan that there could be only one king, and that was him (Cantona). The above words were his reply to King Eric's claim to the throne. It does feel extraordinarily amazing to watch two similar legends replying each other in their trademark styles.
#3: The World Cup dig
One thing is for sure, a World Cup without me is nothing to watch so it is not worthwhile to wait for the World Cup.
Nearly three-fourths of the world population watch the Fifa World Cup. No wonder it is called as 'the biggest show on Earth'. However, Zlatan doesn't seem to think the tournament would be that interesting in his absence.
The reply came after Sweden's loss to Portugal in the playoffs, resulting in their elimination. It was Ibrahimovic's last chance to play for Sweden in the World Cup. He also said he didn't care whoever won the tournament because he was off for holidays!
#2: Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor
It would be better for both of them to stop their antics and fight against me. Let's see how it goes, but the two will go straight to the hospital!
While Mayweather and McGregor were making headlines prior to their upcoming wrestling match against each other, the ever proud Swede found it extremely boring. He challenged both to wrestle him instead.
Zlatan would certainly give both a taste of his Taekwondo skills, should they decide to wrestle the Swedish lion. Apparently, it seems Ibrahimovic was confident enough to send them to the hospital. What confidence!
#1: The Guardiola controversy
Guardiola was staring at me and I lost it. I thought ‘there is my enemy, scratching his bald head!’. I yelled to him: ‘You have no balls!’ and probably worse things than that.
The whole football world is well aware of Zlatan's utter head for his former Barca coach, Pep Guardiola. Zlatan is a leader, and when he doesn't get his questions answered, this is what you get.
Of, all the quotes Ibra made regarding the controversy, this was the most outspoken and fearless dig at Guardiola. Although Zlatan accepted he said worse things than that, the world has never seen an apology from the Swede swarming the internet.
In the meanwhile, all we can do is to wait for more 'Zlatanisms' until this absolute legend retires.
