Zlatan Ibrahimovic is known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the field. Throughout his career, he rarely backed down from confrontation, whether with teammates or opponents. His confidence, often bordering on arrogance, has become part of his legend. Currently, he serves as an advisor for AC Milan after retiring from professional football in 2023. Despite his retirement, Ibrahimovic’s presence in football remains impactful, and his candid remarks continue to entertain. In a recent interview with Amazon Prime, Ibrahimovic joked about his new role, saying, “I am the boss, and I am in charge, all the others work for me.” This playful assertion was typical of his self-assured demeanor, which he has always embodied throughout his career.
However, despite his fierce reputation, there was one moment in his career where Ibrahimovic reportedly backed down, and it involved a Premier League legend—Ashley Cole. During their time together at LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS), Cole revealed an incident where he had to confront Ibrahimovic. At the time, Ibrahimovic was revered by the media in the U.S., delivering memorable quotes and continuing to fuel his image as a larger-than-life figure. Yet, according to Cole, Ibrahimovic had a different side behind closed the doors.
In an appearance on Sky Sports’ A League Of Their Own, Cole shared that Ibrahimovic was quite humble and quiet in the locker room, a contrast to his media persona, where he often projected himself as a larger-than-life “god.” Cole explained that Ibrahimovic had two personalities: one for the team and one for the public. He would often walk into the dressing room and openly criticize teammates for their poor performances, calling them out for their mistakes. But while he may have held his teammates to high standards, he wasn’t immune to a dressing down of himself.
In one particular incident, Cole recalled how Ibrahimovic threw his hands in the air in frustration, likely expressing his discontent with the team or an individual. Cole, however, didn’t hesitate to intervene. He firmly told Ibrahimovic to “put your f***ing hands down.” In a rare moment of submission, Ibrahimovic complied, which speaks volumes considering how fiercely competitive and dominant he has been throughout his career. Cole admitted that while Ibrahimovic may have had a valid point, the way he was expressing it wasn’t appropriate.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s MLS Showdown: How Ashley Cole Tamed the Lion
Ibrahimovic’s time at LA Galaxy was highly successful on the pitch, with the Swedish striker scoring an impressive 53 goals in 58 appearances during his two seasons with the club. His impact in MLS was undeniable, as his star power and outspoken nature helped raise the profile of the league. Cole, on the other hand, spent three seasons at Galaxy before returning to England to join Derby County. After his playing days ended, Cole transitioned into coaching, working with clubs like Derby, Everton, Birmingham, and even the England senior team.
Ibrahimovic and Cole, both legends in their own right, crossed paths at a unique stage in their careers. While Zlatan is often remembered for his fiery persona and unrelenting confidence, this particular story shows a different side of him—one where he stepped back in the face of a teammate’s authority. It’s a rare moment in a career filled with bold declarations and fearlessness. Still, it adds an intriguing layer to the mythology of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reminding us that even the most dominant personalities can have moments of humility.
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