When Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks, he means what he says. He avoids clichés as if they were defenders and addresses each subject with a confidence that makes his words convincing. Here is the interview he has given to Barça TV and which will be broadcast in full at 10 pm tonight (Tuesday) on the programme ‘Bevingut Ibrahimovic’ (Welcome Ibrahimovic).
How did it feel being presented in the Camp Nou?
Monday was a really busy day. First the medical, then after lunch I signed a very important contract that has made a lot of people happy, then came the presentation. It’s difficult to put into words what I felt. These are emotions that can’t be described. You had to be there to understand what I felt.
Are you nervous about everything that has happened?
I was a bit nervous because everyone said there were a lot of people there. Normally I’m quite relaxed but for me it’s a dream to come here. This is where I wanted to play. I made an agreement with the president of Inter that the only club they could sell me to was Barcelona. The others could ask but they wouldn’t get a reply. The only one I answered was Barça. That gives me a special feeling. The move from Malmö to Ajax was good, I was happy. From Ajax to Juve was an important move but emotionally it was a normal event. I thought I would have to keep on playing. The transfer from Juve to Inter seemed like an important fact but it didn’t change my mood…In contrast, this transfer has made me feel nervous.
Nervous…why?
Barça has a historic tradition. Everyone wants to be part of this great club, they’ve made history and I want to be part of that history. For me Barça plays football the way other teams will play in ten years’ time. The way they play is the way I want to play and I believe the people that go to the stadium really enjoy this football and 50% of football is the fans.
What do you know about the history of Barça and its players?
Some great stars have played for Barça. Ronaldo, Romario, Stoichkov, Hagi, Maradona, Ronaldinho..., they’re great names. Everyone knows them and becoming a part of that history is one of my objectives. Everyone wants to come to Barça but not just anyone can do that.
Will you fit into the Barça style?
I think I’ll fit in really well because it’s the way I want to play, the way I want to train, the way I want to learn, because this style of football is what I tasted at Ajax. It really suited me and I learned a lot.
Have you had good references from people that know Barça?
Everyone I’ve spoken to has spoken positively. I spoke to Larsson, Figo, Koeman... everyone I spoke to spoke really well of Barça. Nobody said anything negative, everyone agreed that if you get the chance to come here then take it. Mentally, I was already with Barça when I received news of the Club’s interest. This Club won three titles last season, everything that could be won. When you win you don’t sign, you continue. And then for the next season they come to you and tell you that they want to sign you. Normally a club that wins everything doesn’t buy. When they come to you it’s something special. It means a lot and I’m here to continue winning titles.
Will this be the contract of your life?
I want to enjoy the moment. I’m here to enjoy myself and learn. I want to play with the best, and the best team is Barcelona. I want to be an even better player, and I know I will become even better, but you have to work hard and have the best players around you. A better environment than this is impossible.
You’ve spoken to Guardiola. What did he say to you?
He was very happy about everything that’s been done and I’m also very happy that it’s all official now. Guardiola said he’s happy if I’m happy and that the rest will come by itself.
You are a very technical forward. Normally that kind of player is pretty individualistic but your profile is that of a team player.
It’s one of my qualities that I learned in Italy. It’s important to know how to play as part of a team. If you don’t play as part of the team it’s impossible to achieve the objectives that your club is looking for. You have to help your team-mates and your team-mates have to help you. It’s also true that there are players that have the quality of playing in a more individualistic way and that’s also good. Everyone has to use his talents.
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