Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo by saying the real Ronaldo was Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario.
In an interview to GQ Italia, the former LA Galaxy striker spoke of Serie A, Ronaldo and CR7 ahead of his likely return to Serie A. There heave been wide speculation about his return to Serie A, but nothing has been announced yet.
On Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo
With Cristiano Ronaldo in Juventus, arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to a Serie A rival would surely offer a mouthwatering proposition for spectators and media. As for facing Ronaldo back in Serie A, Ibrahimovic says it’s impossible – the real Ronaldo – the legendary Brazil star, whom he played with in Inter – is retired.
“Will I find the real Ronaldo in Italy?” Ibrahimovic said. “None of it! There is only one Ronaldo, the Brazilian one.”
The 38-year-old Ibrahimovic also suggested that the 34-year-old Ronaldo’s talents weren’t inherent. “He is not a natural talent, but the result of his work,” the Malmo native said.
Ibrahimovic also played down suggestions that Ronaldo had taken on a challenge by moving to Juventus. “He signed for a team that won Serie A seven times in a row. Going to a club like that is not a challenge,” explained the 38-year-old. “If he really wanted a challenge, he should have gone to Juve when they were in Serie B.”
The comments will undoubtedly set to change the chemistry in Serie A, against the liking of Portuguese legend. Now he has to worry about Zlatan bytes to the media, along with fans expectation, Sarri’s system, internal and external competitions from Argentinians, and his health issues.
Zlatan’s Serie A Speculation
Zlatan has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A since his decision not to renew his contract with La Galaxy – with Napoli, Bologna and Milan all reportedly interested in bringing the Swedish legend back to Italian football.
A free agent after a two-year stint with the LA Galaxy, Ibrahimovic strongly hinted that a return to Italy was in the cards.
“I will go to a team that needs to start winning again, that needs to renew it’s history,” Ibrahimovic said. “I’ll see you soon in Italy.”
Earlier this week, Ronaldo was voted Serie A’s best player at the Gala del Calcio in Milan on Monday, the same night Lionel Messi scooped his sixth Ballon d’Or.
As for facing Ronaldo back in Serie A, Ibrahimovic says it’s impossible – the realRonaldo – the legendary Inter and Real Madrid star – is retired.
“Will I find the real Ronaldo in Italy?” Ibrahimovic said. “None of it! There is only one Ronaldo, the Brazilian one.”