While his long-term future remains uncertain at LA Galaxy, Zlatan Ibrahimović has no intention of hanging up his boots yet.
The 37-year-old Swedish striker has had a longstanding career that has allowed him to play at the top level in the best leagues around the world, ranging from his time with Barcelona in Spain to Inter and AC Milan in Italy.
Now, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United star has revealed the one player who he cited as his biggest influence.
During his time at Juventus in the 2005-06 season, Ibrahimović told L'Équipe (via Football Italia) that Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira had a significant impact on his career.
"When I met him at Juventus, he had a really different mentality from the other players I'd known," he said.
"He was always on my back, I thought I was doing things right but it was never good enough. He showed me that you have to give more, want more.
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"He taught me that we play as we train. That's how it works: if you train well, you play well. I don't need to tell you the player and the professional he was.
"He was a phenomenal player who will remain in history, but I'm happy I knew the player and person. He deeply influenced my game by pushing me to give 120 per cent every day, every game.
"I'm not surprised he became a coach, he already had that in him: his experience, his maturity, his way of helping others.
"He was always available to talk. He really helped a lot of players, not just me. There were big stars at Juve at the time, and to please them you had to give a lot, you got nothing for free."
Ibrahimović, who has been linked with a move back to the San Siro, has had his representatives in contact with AC, with both parties having a 'firm interest' to make the deal happen.
Will Ibrahimović leave LA Galaxy?
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Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Patrick Vieira, Football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic