Fun Facts About Man U’s Star Striker – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The 35 year old Swedish superstar once famously remarked to a reporter, “You know Zlatan?” It was one of a long line of spicy moments in Ibrahimović’s career, born as they often are out of annoyance. Zlatan doesn’t love to be questioned. He doesn’t always play nice with reporters.
What cements Ibrahimović as a real gem, however, is that this flashy personal style is evenly matched with pure talent. He’s a towering powerhouse on the field, able to contort his body into any position possible to score and unaware of the concept of fear.
All of this makes him a pretty fun character in general. As a result, he’s gained a god-like place in soccer history where fans equally lavish him with accolades and make fun of his larger than life personality. What that means for us today is a lot of fun facts about Zlatan Ibrahimović to chuckle at and be amazed by.
1. Zlatan’s Swedish
Zlatan’s family is of Bosnian and Croatian heritage, but the soccer great was born and grew up in Sweden. He showed interest and ability in soccer at an early age and played in local clubs in the Rosengård neighborhood in Malmö. His hometown is one of Sweden’s roughest areas, which adds to Zlatan’s legendary appeal.
2. He’s Huge
Zlatan is an imposing 6 feet 5 inches tall. He towers over the majority of his fellow athletes. When those legs are coming straight at you, you get out of the way or else.
3. Manchester United Signed Him For Nothing
Zlatan was a free agent going into this year’s season and Manchester United was able to sign him for a song. In spite of that, Zlatan himself is reportedly making £200,000 a week.
4. Zlatan Likes To Taunt Reporters
One simple internet search for “Zlatan Outrageous Moments” will reveal about half of the content is the star torturing sports reporters. He taunts and teases them. He answers combatively or refuses to answer at all. He sometimes walks away completely after delivering a caustic one liner.
Consequently, watching Zlatan in an interview is always a little exciting. Reporters appear delightfully nervous, even when he behaves himself. Just like on the field, you never quite know what he’s going to do next.
5. He Makes Great Plays
Another great way to spend an hour is by searching for videos of Zlatan’s great plays. He has a knack for driving to the ball with utter conviction, sometimes throwing off opposing players in his wake. He also has impressive range and hits his mark from long distances as much as he collides and throws some elbows up close.
His playing style is explosive, and there are plenty of clips to string together for fans. Take a look, they’re a great time!
6. He’s Meme-tastic
The internet loves Zlatan just like it loves Chuck Norris. In meme-land, he can do anything. There is an endless stream of jokes portraying the player as larger than life. He even has his own hashtag: #ZlatanFacts.
“Zlatan once came late in training. So the manager punished all the other players for coming early.” – Man-News.com
7. Zlatan Is Buddies With David Beckham
Imagining soccer greats like Zlatan and David Beckham hanging out is too much to stand. It totally happens though.
In fact, before cementing the deal with Manchester United, rumors flew about Zlatan joining Beckham’s Miami MLS franchise. Zlatan came out publicly this summer explaining that he turned Beckham down.
8. Zlatan Loves Pre-Season Gossip
At the very least, he engages in it. Zlatan consistently stokes the flames of rumored deals, transfers, and new allegiances in interviews. This really increases the anticipation around every deal he makes and is a smart move for his own popularity.
It may also be a smart negotiating move for the monster player, who can send veiled messages through the media about which way he is leaning to coax more beneficial terms from those courting him.
9. Zlatan Is A Family Man
Zlatan has a strong, patient, and beautiful wife, Helena Seger, and they have two children together: Maximilian born in 2006 and Vincent in 2008. Seger is a former model with a financial mind. She has a background in marketing, communications, and economics and was very successful before she hooked up with the striker.
10. He Was A Great Film Subject
A documentary about Zlatan’s life, Who Is Zlatan Ibrahimović, is a great watch! You can find it on YouTube and I highly recommend it.
The film showcases the man’s talent and also gives some perspective on his personality and life.
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