Ibrahimovic displays trademark confidence as he joins Galaxy
CARSON » Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s attitude will never change, even if the backdrop now includes Hollywood and palm trees.
Ibrahimovic’s first news conference for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday was a bold declaration of intent from the 36-year-old Swedish forward.
“I’m not changing anything. I come here to win and I’m pretty sure I will win. I know I will win,” Ibrahimovic said.
Ibrahimovic could make his MLS debut against LAFC on Saturday after going through training for the first time prior to his 40-minute introduction that saw him take questions in English, Swedish, Spanish and Italian. Ibrahimovic wouldn’t say if he would make his debut in the first edition of the new LA rivalry already being dubbed “El Trafico,” instead deferring to manager Sigi Schmid.
Everything else Ibrahimovic had to say was pure Ibra, walking the fine line between confidence and arrogance. Comparing himself to Brad Pitt’s character in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” who ages in reverse, Ibrahimovic said he still feels young. Declaring that he has come to America to win trophies, Ibrahimovic said, “The lion is hungry.
“I have more goals than players have games, so I think I know what I’m doing,” Ibrahimovic said. “Let’s continue to do it, but with Galaxy. It’s the same me but different club.”
Ibrahimovic joins the Galaxy having played in five games this season for Manchester United after sustaining a serious knee injury in a Europa League match in April 2017. It was the first major injury of Ibrahimovic’s career, but he dismissed any concerns it would hinder his effectiveness in a new league.
Instead, Ibrahimovic likened doubts to the questions about his age before arriving in the Premier League in 2016.
“They said I was old in the Premier League, the most biggest-paced competition in the world,” Ibrahimovic said. “When I was there I felt it. I did it and I took over, so after three months the haters became my fans ...”