Ibrahimovic teases return to Europe after statue unveiled

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the kind of player, and the kind of man, that isn’t afraid to flaunt his success in the face of the masses. Even at the age of 38 years old, the guy seems to be on top of the world – and his confidence hasn’t subsided.

As reported by The Independent and BBC, following the recent unveiling of a statue in his hometown of Malmo, Zlatan is just about ready to head back on over to Europe when his current contract with LA Galaxy expires.

The statue serves, of course, as a reminder that he continues to be one of Sweden’s greatest sporting exports.

Making one final push?

“I’d do better than the players who are there now. My contract expires in December and I don’t know what will happen after that.”

“I am very happy and honoured, as it means I’ve left my mark and this will remain forever,” Ibrahimovic said.

“Now that there are two Ibras, the world is a better place… and more dangerous! One is the original, the other will get to live forever. Some players get to win trophies, others have trophies and a statue.”

Zlatan clearly feels like he’s better than 90% of stars in Europe, and in the past, he’s said the same about the MLS.

“I think the two years I’ve had here,” he said, “I’ve done good things, amazing things, and perfect things. …

“I think I’m the best-ever player in MLS. And that’s without joking.”

Looking towards a famous return

“I don’t focus on that,” he said. “I focus on getting my team in the playoffs and the goals I have to score to help my teammates. And if [Vela] wins [the Golden Boot], or whoever wins, it doesn’t matter as long as I do my job and help my team.”

“I’ve said from the first day that I came that I’m not here for vacation,” he said. “I’m here to perform and show everybody what the game is about. … I just have to keep going, keep being in shape, and help my team in the best way, and that’s by scoring goals.”

It doesn’t feel like he’s being all too serious about the possibility of heading back to Europe, mainly because there’s a pretty good chance he’d get eaten alive – depending on which league he decides to actually go to.

Zlatan doesn’t have anything to prove and hasn’t for quite some time now, so why is he still trying to do so? In many ways his point has been proven regarding how good he is, so we can only imagine that ego and his passion for the game continues to be a big part of his drive to carry on.

He could always end up staying at LA Galaxy, but a lot of that will depend on whether or not he can help them win the MLS Cup. If they can go deep into the playoffs, and then they fail, perhaps he’ll be motivated to give it one more try.