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After ‘I’m the Best, F**k the Rest’ Claim, Zlatan Ibrahimovic Forced to Bite Dust With a Brutal Reality Check

Published 10/16/2023, 6:10 AM EDT

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In a world where sports legends often walk a fine line between confidence and arrogance, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly a name that stands out. The Swedish striker, who is often seen making bold claims about his abilities and achievements, recently made headlines again. In a recent exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, Ibrahimovic boldly claimed, “I am the best; f**k the rest, reaffirming his unshakeable self-belief. Be that as it may, Zlatan’s recent comments got a response in the form of a fierce reality check from his former teammate.

A former teammate of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now stirred up his bold claims and gave a reminder to the former PSG star. Let’s delve deeper into the aftermath of Zlatan’s audacious statement, and recent developments.

A subtle reminder to Zlatan Ibrahimovic by his former teammate

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It wasn’t long before the fans witnessed a swift and unexpected response to Ibrahimovic’s comments. Mario Balotelli, another talented and enigmatic soccer player, who has often been a subject of both admiration and criticism, decided to respond in a way that sent a powerful message. Recently, at an event hosted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zlatan said, “Balotelli? He had so many opportunities to take advantage of his talent and change his future. He never did, that’s the truth. There are so many who want to have only one chance, he has missed all the opportunities he has had.

Mario Balotelli’s response was nothing short of spectacular. He took to Instagram to post a picture of himself holding the coveted Champions League trophy, a prize that had eluded Zlatan Ibrahimovic throughout his illustrious career. Apart from this, Balotelli tagged Ibrahimovic in the photograph, ensuring that the message was heard loud and clear.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won numerous trophies at club level. However, there is one major trophy that has eluded him throughout his career: the UEFA Champions League. Balotelli’s decision to post a picture of himself holding the Champions League trophy on Instagram was a subtle reminder to Ibrahimovic of his failure to win the competition.

Present-day realities for Ibrahimovic and Balotelli

In the current landscape, Balotelli continues to pursue his passion for soccer, representing Turkish club Adana Demirspor. Whereas, Zlatan Ibrahimovic bid farewell to professional soccer after the 2022-23 campaign, marking the end of a remarkable career. Despite limited appearances for the Turkish side this season, Mario Balotelli has not forgotten his triumph and continues to relish in his Champions League victory.

via Imago

While Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s boastful nature has often entertained fans, this exchange with Balotelli serves as a stark reminder for him. It points out that even the most confident figures in sports can be humbled. As the dust settles, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is left to ponder the legacy of his illustrious career, one that is marked by a reminder of what could have been.

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Written by:

Sahil Sharma

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Sahil Sharma is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He's been a fan since childhood, but his love for the sport truly took off when Real Madrid won their record 10th UEFA Champions League title in 2014. That famous La Decima triumph turned him into a hardcore Madridista.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M