Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims critics in Sweden cannot accept ‘I am Ibrahimovic’
Manchester United star says he still gets abuse in home country despite his illustrious career and insists they should be thankful for enjoying his talents on the pitch
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ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has hit out at his critics in his native Sweden who still cannot accept him for who he is.
Manchester United ace Ibrahimovich says he still faces attacks from the media back home despite his illustrious playing career.
The straight-talking striker believes they should show him more respect for what he has done for the country as a player at club and international level.
And in an interview for French television station Canal+ with former Leeds star Oliver Dacourt, the 36-year-old does not hold back with his thoughts.
Ibrahimovic said: "What does the Swedish media do? Do they defend me or attack me? Still now?
"They still attack me because the cannot accept I am Ibrahimovic.
"Probably I am the best player in the history of Sweden - what I did, nobody has done.
"The Golden Ball in Sweden, the best it has been won is two Golden Balls. How many do I have? I have eleven.
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"That's never happened. What I did for football in Sweden, it has never happened.
Dacourt asked if their reaction was because they think he is too arrogant, Ibrahimovic replied: "It doesn't matter, I am the best there is.
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"Are you proud, are you appreciating what you have? Or are you not?"
Ibrahimovic has just returned to Premier League action with United after nine months out with a knee ligament injury.
The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan star has agreed a one year deal at Old Trafford that runs out at the end of the season.
But he is still working his way back towards full match fitness, so far just scoring once in seven appearances in all competitions.