Soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimović appeared in episode 16 of Shedeur Sanders’ podcast, “2Legendarym” on Tuesday. He joined the Colorado quarterback from Milan, six hours ahead of US Time.
When Shedeur told the Swedish icon that it was 10 a.m. in the U.S., Ibrahimovic was surprised that the Buffs quarterback wasn't practicing but instead chatting with him.
Zlatan, no stranger to tough schedules and the pressure of playing sports at the highest level, flashed a sly grin and asked:
“What happened, your father gave you a free [off day] or what?”
Shedeur confirmed, saying it was a recovery day,explaining that Coach Prime granted the team a rest day following Colorado’s game against Texas Tech on Saturday. Zlatan replied:
"That's not normal. He (Coach Prime) has big discipline."
However, Ibrahimović agreed that recovery is integral to the process, saying:
“Yeah, it's part of the game,” acknowledging the importance of balanced training. [03:10]
Zlatan Ibrahimović tells Shedeur Sanders that he can't escape Deion Sanders' shadow
Ibrahimović gave Shedeur Sanders some straight talk on what it’s like to play in the shadow of a legendary father. The former LA Galaxy soccer player offered insight into handling the intense spotlight Shedeur faces as the son of Deion Sanders, one of football's greatest names.
“You have too much pressure because if the father was a legend I mean but you get much more pressure than the other ones and that is not fair to be honest,” Zlatan said.
“It is not your fault your father is a legend. You love the same sport as him and you’re doing the same thing like he did.” [13:00]
Zlatan, who has guided his own son, Maximilian, into professional soccer, told Shedeur that the key to success is charting his own path.
"Do not compare yourself to your dad," Zlatan advised, urging the young quarterback to find his own identity in football.
While the Sanders name carried both constant pressure and privilege, Zlatan encouraged Shedeur to pursue the game for himself and not focus on chasing his father’s status.
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