Skill moves can be named after their creators. Johann Cruyff is honoured with the 'Cruyff turn' and the 360-degree turn is credited to Brazilian maestro Garrincha, though both Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona stake a claim to it. For a football player to be associated with a 'verb', yes the English language verb would mean that player to be quite a phenomenon, wouldn't it? Sweden has added the verb 'Zlatanera' to their national dictionary, with approval from the Swedish language council of course. Other countries may use 'to Zlatan' which means 'to dominate', whatever field it may be used for. Apparently highly educated Swedes refer the verb to an Outlandishly talented action. Yup, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, born to a Muslim Bosniak Dad and a Croatian Catholic Mom is definitely 'Outlandish'.
Pep Guardiola is a great manager, because of his exploits with Barcelona and definitely a little help from Lionel Messi. His biggest misjudgement in his managerial career is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The pair had a falling out while together at Barcelona during the 2009-10 season, resulting in Zlatan screaming insults at Pep and throwing the training gear box for good measure. Vice-President Carles Vilarrubi revealed that Zlatan had threatened to publicly beat the crap out of Guardiola, if he wasn't released to Milan. Well, too bad Pep. We can imagine all 6ft 5in of Zlatan towering above the humble Spaniard. Guardiola never spoke a word. Wise move. Guardiola probably knew Zlatan got a black-belt in Taekwondo when he was 17. We all know who'd win in a duel.
Although an incredible talent, Zlatan has anger issues, no doubt stemming from a troubled childhood, with the result that he has had clashes at every club he's played for, injuring himself sometimes in the process. This is one primary reason why he has played at numerous clubs in different countries. But who cares? Everyone likes a bit of fights and controversy. What is sport, if not aggression with passion? The Man is a winner and scores outrageous goals, and that too consistently. He's proven he's deadly no matter what the colour of his shirt and in the process lifted league titles in Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France. England is his final frontier.
Arsene Wenger tried to lure Zlatan with an Arsenal jersey complete with a no.9 on it. Wenger deserves credit for trying. That man has got his nose around almost every young footballer in the world. A 17-year old Zlatan declined the chance to join Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera and Dennis Bergkamp, choosing to go to Ajax instead. Thank God for that. I mean, Thank Zlatan for God.
Jose Mourinho and Zlatan are both alike in a way. Both are mercenaries in their fields, have had numerous clashes and are known for their brash and outspoken personalities. But more importantly, both have the skills to back themselves up on and off the pitch to be exactly like that. A successful reunion at Manchester United might well be underway, Zlatan endearing himself to the United faithful with a spectacular bicycle kick just four minutes on his United debut day before yesterday. After Wayne Rooney's testimonial match against Everton, United play Leicester City for the Community shield on 7th August. The league is upon us. Time to see what unfolds, there will be no mercy. Exciting times lay ahead.
