Zlatan Ibrahimovic in UAE: Footballer attributes his success to ‘working for what you want’ – News

The legendary footballer is naturally excited at Sharjah International Book Fair 2022 after writing his memoir to great success

Photo: Supplied

When your on-field feats are legendary and your off-field behavior controversial, your memoirs are sure to set up a storm – and Swedish football superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic describes exactly that response.

The excitement in the ballroom at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2022 was evident when Ibrahimovic took to the stage following the huge success of the legendary footballer’s memoir.

The striker, who has scored nearly 600 goals for his various clubs and his country for famous Serie A club AC Milan, said: “Books provide inspiration and give many people the opportunity to learn from experts. … I believe I have a duty to share my experience, write about what I have learned, and make people and footballers in the world a better place.”

The Swedish professional has found success both in the field and in the literary world with his best-selling memoir. Advising young readers and his fans of all ages in a packed ballroom, Ibrahimovic — or “Ibrahimovic” as fans affectionately call him — said: “When you do something in life, Do it because you believe in it. When something feels natural and authentic, it always works.”

The 41-year-old footballer and author of “Adrenaline: My Untold Story” described him as “very young”, attributing his success on and off the field over the past 23 years to “goals you want and work hard.”

“I don’t do things to meet other people’s expectations, when people doubt me, I will be full of passion, I never give up, and I will not let other people’s opinions slow me down,” Ibrahimovic said.

Ibrahimovic expressed his pride in his discipline and “bulletproof” mentality, noting that he maintains that determination by surrounding himself with inspirational people and motivating others.

Responding to a question about his peers, he said: “Roberto Carlos (Brazil international) probably had the biggest influence on my career as a player because we competed against each other. He was an explosive force. Total player, in some ways he grounded me and pushed me to be better than I was before.”

Responding to another question about contemporary footballers, the Swedish footballer said that while he thinks Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are special, it is ultimately up to the fans to decide.

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Speaking of the upcoming World Cup, the acclaimed footballer said he wants Argentina to be crowned champions and that Messi will be able to lift the trophy.

“Every World Cup is exciting because it’s the biggest stage in football and it’s special to me whether I play or not. The best team on the day will take the trophy regardless of my predictions. bring home.”

Ibrahimovic said of his thoughts on Messi: “Messi loves football as much as I do and we both love giving back to the sport. It’s very important – giving back to the sport we love is a big part of our journey.”