ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC’S legacy at Malmo is in ruins after he became co-owner of rivals Hammarby.
The superstar striker, 38, is aiming to make the Stockholm outfit Scandinavia’s biggest team after buying a 50 per cent stake.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been unveiled as Hammarby co-owner just a month after having a statute dedicated to him in Malmo
But supporters of his former club, who erected a statue of the ace last month, hope he is a monumental failure.
After announcing his new venture, Ibrahimovic insisted that Malmo fans would be happy for him.
He said: “This has nothing to do with MFF. When it comes to the club, we talk about the footballer Zlatan. I think they in Malmo respect this.
“I have a good relationship with MFF and have had it all year. But this has nothing to do with me as a football player. I think those in Malmo are happy for me.”
But vice chairman of supporter group MFF Support Kaveh Hosseinpour thinks otherwise.
He told Fotbollskanalen: “Of the reactions I have sent to me so far, I have not heard anyone who thinks this is good.
“Everyone is extremely critical. Some are disappointed, some are angry and some think it is idiotic.
“He has probably lost his grip on what he means to Malmo. He misunderstands his position a little when he says that Malmo will be happy for his sake.
“There is no one in Malmo who runs around in an LA Galaxy shirt and plays with Ibrahimovic on his back.”
On the statue Malmo dedicated to their former idol, Hosseinpour added: “That statue will no longer matter now, considering where it stands and what he does now.
“He actively wants another club to be better than the club that made him what he is.”
Former Manchester United star Ibrahimovic bid farewell to LA Galaxy at the end of the MLS season and has been linked with a return to Europe on the field.
He is still keen to play football and confirmed it would not be for a Swedish team.
The veteran hitman, who left Malmo for Ajax in 2001, claims he can use his contacts to help topo-flight side Hammarby dominate Scandinavia – and will try to promote youth to achieve his goal.
He explained: “I will contribute my experience after everything I’ve gone through. With my unlimited network. Whatever is needed, really.
“I want Hammarby to have the best youth academy in Sweden. Hammarby should get the best talents and nurture the best talents.
“I have resources that can help and a network that opens up what is needed to be able to have the best academy.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic appears to confirm transfer to new club Hammarby… but Swedish side deny deal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
