Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ashley Cole, LA Galaxy, Football
Marcus Chan
The one time Zlatan Ibrahimovic backed down from a fight with a teammate has been revealed.
Throughout a career that spanned more than 20 years, Ibrahimovic played for some of the biggest clubs in the world including the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain.
Over the years, Ibrahimovic has not been shy in boasting about his quality and often referred to himself as a ‘God’ or a ‘Lion’.
However, his former LA Galaxy teammate, Ashley Cole, has revealed he once backed down after raising his hands in anger.
Speaking on Sky Sports' A League Of Their Own, Cole said: “He has two personalities, with us in the dressing room he was brilliant, quiet, very humble but for the media he was god.
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“He had moments where he would come in the dressing room and really let people know about their s*** touch, can't run, you're slow but in front of the media his persona changed.”
The former England and Chelsea defender added: “He tried to once, he did throw his hands in the air.
“And I said 'Put your f***ing hands down', I'm deadly serious, honestly. I was thinking 'you might have a little point, but don't put your hands up’.”
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Cole played for MLS side LA Galaxy for three years between 2016 and 2018.
After his stint in the United States, the full-back returned to English football, playing for Derby County before retiring in 2019.
In total, Cole made 702 club appearances in his career, scoring 21 goals.
He also got his hands on multiple trophies including three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League.
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Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic announced his retirement at the age of 41 back in June following AC Milan’s final Serie A match of the 22/23 season.