Andy van der Meyde has revealed how he once received a slap from Zlatan Ibrahimovic for kissing him on the lips while he was asleep.
The pair spent two years together at Ajax and Van der Meyde clearly enjoyed pranking the Swede.
The Dutchman, now 41, told Dutch TV show VTBL: "When we were at Ajax, I always sat next to Zlatan on the bus.
Advert
"Once when he was sleeping, I got gay tendencies and kissed him on the mouth. Seconds later, I got a couple of slaps."
Ibrahimovic and Van der Meyde were on the books of Ajax from 2001 to 2003 before the latter joined Inter Milan.
Van der Meyde then moved on to Everton where his life spiralled out of control through a vicious cycle of personal problems and alcohol.
Advert
After being released by the Toffees in 2009, Van der Meyde, once one of the most promising players of his generation, also turned to drugs.
He told the BBC in 2013: "I wasn't speaking to anyone. I was just wearing a mask and pretending everything was okay.
"Everton bought me when I was injured but after that I played six games and I played well.
"But before a game against Manchester United I was injured and was out for almost six months. In that six months I wasn't living like I should have.
Advert
"For me it was a way to get out and not think about my problems. I could do what I wanted. I had a lot of money. I could buy what I wanted, and I could get girls that I wanted.
"It was very easy. Then you can quickly go off the rails because there is no limit.
"I never took drugs while I was playing at Everton. That was after I stayed another year living in Liverpool and had no club and I was taking drugs."
Van der Meyde hung up his boots in 2012, while Ibrahimovic, now 39, is still playing for AC Milan.
Ibrahimovic will be partnered by Oliver Giroud this season after the striker's switch from Chelsea.
Advert
"I've already played against Zlatan a few times," said the Frenchman. "The fact that he is still playing at 40 proves that he is an exceptional professional.
"At that age, you can't play without a lot of commitment to the team and determination. He takes care of himself.
"I will try to do the same to enjoy football, if my body allows me. He is an example.
"He's one of the best strikers in Serie A. I can't wait to play alongside him, I think we'll have fun. We will try to win something."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Zlatan Ibrahimovic