There was a time when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was put in his place by a prominent figure in the Premier League, and it might not be the person you would expect.
Although he was 43 years old at the time, Ibrahimovic was considered to be one of the most talented football players of his generation. During his club career, he played 827 games and recorded 496 goals and 202 assists.
After a distinguished career as a player for a number of legendary clubs, including Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Manchester United, the former Sweden international is currently serving as an advisor to the owners of AC Milan.
On the other hand, in addition to his abilities as a football player, he was well-known for his eccentric personality and iconic interviews, and he was also a passionate practitioner of mixed martial arts.
If he did not make the cut in football, Zlatan even admitted that he would “probably [be] something within the UFC” if he were to compete in the competition.
“I had a hard time seeing myself as a lawyer,” Ibrahimovic said in 2015 [via COMPLEX]. “My father wanted me to be a lawyer, but I had a hard time seeing myself as a lawyer.”
“However, I am a huge fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, so it is most likely something related to the UFC or martial arts.” I believe that I would be successful in that.”
Although not many players had the courage to get on his bad side due to his self-confidence and physical capability, one player who had previously played in the Premier League bravely retaliated against the forward while he was playing for the Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy.
When Zlatan was a member of the Los Angeles-based club in 2018, former left-back Ashley Cole, who had previously played for Arsenal, Chelsea, and England, participated in the team.
Cole, 42 years old, was not the type of person to back down from anyone, regardless of how powerful they were.
During an appearance on Sky Sports’ “A League of Their Own” in October 2018, the three-time winner of the Premier League referred to the Swede as “humble,” but he also disclosed that there was a time when the two players came dangerously close to fighting.
When he was with us in the dressing room, Zlatan was brilliant, quiet, and very humble; however, when he was with the media, he was godlike. “He [Zlatan] has two personalities,” said Cole.
“He had moments where he would come into the dressing room and really let people know about their s*** touch, can’t run, you’re slow, but in front of the media, his persona changed,” said the coach.
“At one point, he attempted to do so, and he did raise his hands in the air,” he continued.
When I said, “Put your f***ing hands down,” I was being completely serious. I’m telling you the truth. ‘You might have a little point, but don’t put your hands up,’ I was thinking to myself.
