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Earlier this week, the brilliant Zlatan Ibrahimovic made headlines again with another classic moment during Paris-Saint Germains 1-0 win over St Etienne.That hilarious who are you? response was just the latest episode in a long line of funny incidents involving one of footballs cheekiest characters and it is those moments that make us warm to the talented striker so much.Zlatan is easily one of the most enthralling players on the pitch, but what really makes him stand out is the fact he is equally entertaining off it.Here are 10 instances that help Ibrahimovic cement his place as this generations most entertaining footballer:
#1 Living the lifestyle
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One of the many perks of being a world-class footballer is that you can afford to live a life of luxury. Expensive supercars are a major part of that lifestyle.
However, during Ibrahimovic’s time at the Camp Nou, Barcelona’s star-studded squad was banned from turning up to training in flashy vehicles, thanks to a ban implemented by then-manager Pep Guardiola. Instead, the club provided players with far more modest road cars.
Zlatan wasn’t having any of it, though, and broke the club rules by turning up to a match in his six-figure Ferrari Enzo. If you’ve got it, you may as well flaunt it.
#2 Embarrassing opponents
Everyone loves a showman and Ibrahimovic certainly ticks in emphatic style.
The infectious Swede regularly wows audiences with sublime skills and incredible scoring talents, but there is also a real sense that the PSG star enjoys making a fool of his opponents.
Zlatan’s career has been sprinkled with a number of moments in which he has bamboozled defenders. His best, though, has to be this amazing golazo during his time at Ajax. You can quite clearly see his enjoyment too.
#3 Zlatan doesnt audition
Over the years, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed to have come close to signing a number of future world-class talents. With Ibrahimovic, though, the Gunners came nearer than most. Zlatan was ready to join the Premier League club and had even been given the No.9 shirt.
However, prior to confirming the deal, Wenger asked to see the then-upcoming striker in a friendly match. Taking major offense to this, the Swedish international retorted: “Zlatan doesn’t do auditions”.
With that, the deal was off.
#4 Zlatan trains when he wants
Similarly, Ibrahimovic trains when he wants to train. Back in 2008, Zlatan was conducting an interview for Inter Milan’s online television channel when he was interrupted by a member of staff, insisting that the forward had to report for training duty.
However, a bemused Zlatan protested: “No, we’ll finish the interview first”.
After a brief disagreement, the striker concluded: “Go away. Training starts when Zlatan says so!” before casually turning back to the reporter to finish the interview.
#5 The Multi-Tasker
Scoring a goal is the hardest thing to do in football, some would argue. When you’re Zlatan though, you can score and celebrate at the same time!
In December 2014, Ibrahimovic netted another two goals to help PSG overcome a spirited Nantes. Whilst his rocket of a free-kick was yet another screamer for the highlights reel, the equaliser came in a manner that only Zlatan could provide.
Whoever said men cannot multi-task has clearly never had the pleasure of meeting Zlatan.
#6 The all mighty Zlatan
Ibrahimovic boasts a whole host of qualities. Fortunately, modesty is not one of them.
The 33-year-old has always been confident in his abilities and has helped him achieve great things within the game. Moreover, it has provided fans with some spectacular quotes over the years.
Some fans would suggest that Zlatan is a god amongst mere mortals; the player himself echoed those sentiments in hilarious circumstances during the build-up to his country’s crucial World Cup play-off against Portugal in 2013. Enjoy.
#7 The Gift Of Zlatan
Arguably Zlatan’s greatest quote came during his first ever interview as a PSG player, in a moment of hilarity that would thrust the striker straight into the hearts of the Parisian crowd.
Ibrahimovic had already got the room laughing by joking that, if he couldn’t find an apartment soon, he’d have to buy the hotel he’d been staying in. That would have provided more than enough entertainment factor for most players, but not Zlatan.
Asked what he had brought his wife for their engagement, the Malmo-born striker simply replied: “Nothing. She has Zlatan.”
#8 #DareToZlatan
With 2.3 million Twitter followers, social media offers a great platform for Zlatan to, well, be Zlatan. In March 2014, we saw this in full flow thanks to the #DareToZlatan campaign.
This online Q&A offered fans the chance to pose their queries to the global superstar. As expected, the 33-year-old provided some truly brilliant answers.
Here are some of his best answers:
Outside of Twitter, Ibrahimovic also launched his own ‘Zlatan Unplugged’ app, which allows fans to gain an insight into his daily life.
#9 Dealing with accusations in a legendary way
During his time at Barcelona, rumours surfaced questioning Ibrahimovic’s sexuality. In particular, one photo with Gerard Pique led to widespread speculation. When the time was right, Zlatan quashed those suggestions in epic fashion.
Whilst signing autographs from his car window, one female reporter kept harassing the Swedish superstar about the rumours. An angry Zlatan responded: “Come to my house and you’ll see if I’m gay.”
Then, after she had accepted, Ibrahimovic planted the cherry on this delicious cake by instructing her to invite her sister too. Only Zlatan.
#10 Martial Arts Expert
Footballs aren’t the only thing that Zlatan can kick, though, and he also boasts a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. The Swedish Superstar has put that expertise to good use on a number of occasions – not least with that memorable acrobatic strike against England in 2012.
Teammates in training; opponents in matches; players being interviewed, nobody is safe from the wrath of Zlatan, who never cares if the time or place is inappropriate. If he wants to do something, he will.
With any other player, this could be quite annoying. In the case of Zlatan, however, it simply makes our love grow.
