Malcolm Olivers - The Little Book of Zlatan

In fact, it might be argued that, in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan cannot even be compared to his brilliantly gifted footballing contemporaries, let alone the most legendary athletes of all time. So why write a book entirely dedicated to the third best player on the planet? Why celebrate a man who is renowned for his volatility as much as his extraordinary aerial prowess? The answer perhaps reassuringly in an era of big data, football academies and sports science lies in the cult of personality. Zlatan is an icon not just because of his extraordinary records on the field, but because his personality has never had to take a back seat on the journey. Would Zlatan be a good guest at a party? The answer is yes, of course! Would Zlatan make a good big brother? Definitely. Would Zlatan have been successful if he had chosen a different career path, perhaps as a teacher, a builder or a karate coach? There is a very good chance he would have excelled in all three all at once Zlatan Ibrahimovi has an undeniable gravitas and charisma that makes us want to follow him on and off the field. He has a mercurial likeability that makes us want to laugh at his jokes, score his goals, forgive his errors and support the causes he supports. Does it matter what is fact and what is myth? When alls said and done, we simply have to acknowledge Zlatans status as one of the most complex, most original and above all most interesting characters in the game, someone who will certainly and deservedly be remembered as one of the greats.

This is only a little book, but it is a tribute to the personality, humour and talent of a true giant. If in some small way it helps to cement Zlatans incredible legacy not that he needs that help it will have served its purpose. Zlatan, we salute you! M ALCOLM O LIVERS , June 2017

Zlatan doesnt do auditions. Zlatan Ibrahimovi When you buy me, you are buying a Ferrari. Zlatan Ibrahimovi The only time Zlatan was wrong was when he thought he had made a mistake. Zlatan Ibrahimovi First I went left, and he did too.

Then I went right, and he did too. Then I went left again, and he went to buy a hot dog. Zlatan Ibrahimovi I cant help but laugh at how perfect I am. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatans computer has no backspace button Zlatan doesnt make mistakes. Zlatan Ibrahimovi My dog picks up its own mess. Zlatan Ibrahimovi One thing is for sure. Zlatan Ibrahimovi One thing is for sure.

A World Cup without Zlatan is nothing to watch. Zlatan Ibrahimovi I think Im like wine. The older I get, the better I get. Zlatan Ibrahimovi I dont like to talk about myself. Zlatan Ibrahimovi

Zlatan doesnt dial the wrong number you pick up the wrong phone. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan doesnt wear a watch.

He decides what time it is. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan can make scissors beat rock. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan finished The Neverending Story . Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan leaves messages before the beep. Zlatan Ibrahimovi When Zlatan does a push-up, he isnt lifting himself up, hes pushing the Earth down. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan counted to infinity. Twice. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan can slam a revolving door. Zlatan Ibrahimovi Zlatan is the greatest thing, period, despite his invention of sliced bread. Zlatan Ibrahimovi There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Zlatan allows to live. Zlatan Ibrahimovi When Zlatan was born, he drove his mum home from the hospital. Zlatan Ibrahimovi of course Zlatan can do a wheelie.