ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has dismissed his lack of Ballon d’Or crowns – preferring the ‘continuity’ he has shown with several Swedish honours.
The Guldbollen is Sweden’s footballer of the year prize and AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic ended a short dry spell to reclaim the gong in 2020.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never finished on the Ballon d’Or podiumCredit: Reuters
It was the striker’s 12th victory in the award, a record by some margin, having lost out in the last two years to Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof.
And he insisted that the honour is more important to him than a single Ballon d’Or would ever be.
Ibrahimovic told SportWeek, via Goal: “I wouldn’t swap my 12 Guldbollen for one from France Football because, for me, they mean continuity.
“I have seen many who have won the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, even the Ballon d’Or, had a wonderful year, fantastic.
“Then later they disappeared, but I’ve been in the game for 25 years.
“Always at the top. It’s a big difference.”
I am Santa Claus. I am the one who brings gifts to all my 27 children. Two are in Sweden and the other 25 are at Milanello.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The 39-year-old is enjoying his latest renaissance with Serie A leaders Milan.
Were the Ballon d’Or on this year, he would have a decent chance of a nomination thanks to his ten goals in six league games this campaign.
In fact, Ibrahimovic has been on the longlist 11 times with a best finish of fourth in the 2013 awards.
Milan sit one point above rivals Inter going into the New Year, following a last-gasp win over Lazio last time out.
The veteran striker, currently out with a calf injury, remarked that he is bringing gifts to the ‘children’ he guides in the San Siro dressing room.
Ibrahimovic said: “I never ask for anything for myself [at Christmas].
Ibrahimovic took home fourth-place in the 2013 Ballon d’Or votingCredit: Getty – Contributor
“I am Santa Claus. I am the one who brings gifts to all my 27 children. Two are in Sweden and the other 25 are at Milanello.
“This year, huge congratulations for what we have done and what we’re doing.
“We’ve lost very few games. I don’t know if that’s thanks to me, but I did do something, I brought something in.”
Watch Mino Raiola hang up on Simon Jordan in furious row over Ibrahimovic’s FIFA 21 image rights live on talkSPORT
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
