Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Ibrahimovic didn't want Man City's money

Once Zlatan Ibrahimovic decided that one season of bickering with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona was enough for him, he started fielding loan offers from other clubs. Naturally, Man City were one of those clubs, but despite their generous offer, Ibra decided to return to a league he knew he could dominate by joining AC Milan. Plus, as he says and too many spectators seem to forget, great players don't have to chase money. 

From the Independent:

The Barclays Premier League side were rumoured to be ready to shell out up to £500,000 a week to sign the former Ajax forward.

"I had a couple of talks with City and they had a fantastic project going on but I'm not one of those players who wants to go there and play for money," Ibrahimovic said.

"For me, it's important to see what kind of future there is, what kind of possibilities there is. For me, the project of City is not now.

"I think in a couple of years they will be a top team but Milan now is at the top and for me, I want to be playing at the top when I'm 29 rather than 32.

"It was not about money. If you are a great player there is money everywhere."

That last line really is fantastic. Far too often superstar footballers are accused of being mercenaries and making a move "just for the money" as if only one club is offering them millions and their current wages are equivalent to those of a sweatshop worker. Sure, there are exceptions but on the whole, Ibra is right -- no matter where a great footballer goes, there is always lots of money and several unicorns waiting for him.

That line is also fantastic because I can't help but imagine Ibra saying it with a sigh as he reclines in a golden massage chair. 

Photo: Getty Images

Asia Argento Charisma Carpenter Hilarie Burton Kelly Carlson Sara Foster

No comments:

Post a Comment