Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
We are going to play football with some kids.
Hopefully they will be inspired and maybe they will learn something from me.
It's important for me to be there for the kids whenever I can.
This has been such a crazy day. It's like a circus.
It usually is.
Circus Zlatan?
F.C. Internazionale Training Camp, Milano
Hi!
Hi! Welcome to Italy.
Are you *** Landgren?
Yes. Zlatan will be here soon.
What is your role in Zlatan's life?
I'm Zlatan's contact person.
I'll be responsible for the schedule during these days.
What's he like?
You're never really sure.
There he is!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was 19 when he was bought by the Dutch club Ajax.
His brilliant technical skills caught the eye of the Italian clubs.
After two years at Ajax he was bought by Juventus.
His present club, Inter, paid nearly 25 Mil. Euros for the Swedish player.
He would soon capture the hearts of many in his new town, Milano.
Today, after winning the gold medal for all his clubs, he is a phenomenon.
He is worshipped in a country where football is religion.
Hi! I'm ReneƩ.
How are you? Nice to meet you.
Great, thanks. How are you doing?
Very well. Usually a little sleepy in the mornings.
The training starts when you arrive, right?
Yes, that's right. My own training...
Ibrahimovic! Ibra! Ibrahimovic!
Figo...
He seems like a good guy.
Yes, he's really kind. One of my closest friends.
You need to play. Stop talking!
Vieira...
They're a little jealous.
Because they're not in the center of attention?
Exactly.
It's unusual to gain access to Inter's training.
Zlatan has been injured for several weeks when we met him.
He is on rehabilitation.
Sweden! Sweden! Sweden!
Tomorrow, Inter will play against Siena.
It's a very important game.
They have the chance to win the league, the Scudetto.
They will be champions for the third consecutive time.
There are so many guys in suits here.
Do all the players here have a "***"?
Uh... Yes, I hope so.
What will you do now?
Run a little.
I speak English when possible but mostly it's Italian.
I have to go and train now.
Don't disturb me.
I have performed very well this season.
I feel physically strong. I think I have continued to develop.
I feel prepared for everything that lies ahead.
He's my best friend.
We played together in Ajax for three years.
I went to Juventus.
I wanted to bring him with me but he wasn't good enough.
He went to Inter and now we are together.
So you share a room together when you stay at the hotel? How come?
It's difficult, but...
He's the only one who can put up with me.
Does he have any annoying things that you do when you stay together?
Many, many things!
Does he snore?
I'm the one who snores.
I can't sleep because of him. Sometimes I slap him in the middle of the night.
He messes up everything in the room, so he's not organized.
He's a messy boy.
That's why I have Helena.
Yeah, it's a miracle.
Inter plays two or three games a week.
The players stay at hotels before the games, relaxing and training.
What do you do together when you're in the room?
Everything. Watching movies... We hug each other.
Do you spoon?
Sometimes you see a leg come over to me... Oh!
What a great job you have Zlatan!
Yeah, I'm suffering...
It's only now when I'm injured.
I usually train much harder together with my teammates.
I usually stop and sign autographs.
It's important to do that for the fans, I think.
Is is like that every day?
Yes, every day.
I always do this beacause I feel it's important.
Some people back home don't know just how famous you are here in Italy.
People recognize me.
I don't go out very often but when I do it's a little chaotic.
Isn't it hard not being able to go out?
I'm not the type who likes to go out a lot.
Especially now when I have a family, I stay at home.
This is our home. I have really nice neighbours.
Below me lives Ronaldo and above me lives Vieira.
The Consulate of Kuwait is on the second floor.
Ronaldo? He's your childhood idol.
Yes, that's true but I lived here before he moved.
Hi!
That's Maximilian.
He has his dad's temper.
Zlatan and his family recently bought a house in Malmo
but they live here in Milano during the football season.
Welcome!
Hi, ***!
Hi.
My days are usually the same. I come home, get some rest... play with my family and with my dog.
We try to do lots of fun things together.
This is your oldest son and you have another one now, too.
Yes, a little cupcake.
You said you wanted three or four.
Yes, I know but after two I reconsidered.
How involved are you with your kids?
I try to do as much as possible.
Helena is the one doing the most.
I'm the one playing with them.
Were you with Helena when she gave birth?
Yes, I was there and supported Helena.
Were you happy to welcome a little baby boy?
I always knew I would get boys.
Men make men... that's how it is.
What do you think ***? That's how it is for me, anyway.
Zlatan has stirred intense feelings and received criticism for his cocky attitude,
on and off the football field.
In the beginning the press wrote that I was cocky, tough, had an attitude...
But I have always been myself, from the day I started until today.
It doesn't mean that I have an attitude. I just have a strong personality.
Is there anything you regret?
Absolutely not. Nothing!
I regret meeting ***.
People love you now. You won the Jerring Award. How did that make you feel?
That was really huge for me.
I was even more moved that I was after receiving the Golden Balls.
I was nervous and I had to make a speech. I have no idea if anyone heard what I said.
I should have had a strong drink before I went up there. To get more relaxed.
I haven't prepared a speech because I didn't expect this award.
I'm not good at this but I try.
A big thank you to everyone who voted for me and to all Swedish people.
What do the two of you do when you're together here?
What do we do, ***? We play Xbox.
I have a room where I kick the *** out of ***.
He sucks at Xbox. I'll show you that room right now.
Not with me.
Come on now, ***!
I'd rather not.
Which button do I press?
I told you a million times.
Can I be Zlatan?
Absolutely not. You can't handle him.
I totally suck at this.
Yes, you really do. I have to agree.
Wow! What a crowd.
It's special today. Inter could win the Scudetto today if they win this game.
Zlatan is not playing and I don't think it's possible to see him today.
Inter could win the title today at San Siro.
People feel confident it's going to be easy to win against Siena.
Inter makes a quick goal and everyone thinks it's over.
However, near the end, Siena scores.
With just a one point lead against rival Roma, it now takes a hero to win the title for Inter.
One week later. It's time for the final game when all will be decided.
Inter meets Parma and must win this game or Roma will be Italian champions.
Six minutes into the second half, Zlatan enters. He hasn't played for two months.
The football world witnesses a sensational come-back when Zlatan makes two goals and secures the Scudetto.
Congratulations! That was amazing!
How does it feel?
Good. Tired.
Tired?
Yes. We partied last night.
You have a hangover, you mean?
Nah, he's got a hangover!
It was fantastic. I hadn't played for a long time.
I came in and helped us win the league.
It was a great way to finish this.
How important was this for you?
It's my fifth league title in a row. It has been an exciting year for me.
But these two goals...?
There were many goals.
Let's take the limo. Renee, we'll get you a car.
We'll see each other tomorrow.
I'm sitting in an 8 m long car, on my way to a townhouse outside Malmo.
Zlatan has spent the night here at his mother's house.
Welcome to Cafe Opera!
We're staying at my mom's place until our house is renovated.
She's always so happy to see me.
It's better staying with your mom than just renting a hotel room.
We have a small room, me and Helena, ***, Vincent and the dog.
Your mom used to live in Rosengard too?
Yes, she did. Now she has a little garden.
Did you help her get the house?
Yes, I helped a bit.
My family has always helped me and supported me.
They are there for me whatever happens.
I try to give my kids the things I got from my parents.
What did they give you?
They gave me lots of love and a safe upbringing.
We have always been close.
They supported me and encouraged me to play football.
Your family makes you stronger.
I have three sisters and two brothers.
There was a lot of child support.
Rosengard is known as a very rough area.
Is there any truth to that?
There is the image of a though, dangerous and crime-ridden Rosengard.
But I learned a lot from living in Rosengard.
Self-confidence. Out there it's all about standing up for yourself.
"He's the best... I'm the best..."
There's a lot of competition.
You build your self-confidence that way.
We're not exactly sneaking into Rosengard...
Is it your first time here?
Yes, it is.
You're with me now. Don't worry.
This is where I grew up.
Here on the fifth floor.
Who lived here?
Me and my mom, brother and sister.
I lived with my dad but I came here all the time to spend time with them.
I played football here every day.
Back then there was sand here.
I want to give something back to the community here, and this is my way of doing that.
Hopefully I can inspire others to succeed the way I have.
There are many ways to succeed in life.
I don't want them to think that Rosengard is as bad as they say.
Except that they stole the "A" in my name there.
How much time did you spend here?
I was here every day.
I used to go to my mom and eat and then I went right back here to play.
Is it true that you used to pay anyone who could take the ball from you?
Yes, I used to give them candy.
There were 10-15 kids chasing me for the ball and I trained dribbling.
Hi Zlatan!
Hi!
How are you? Fine?
Maria has taken care of me since I was a child.
She's my mom's best friend.
Don't film me.
She's been there since the beginning.
She was our second-floor neighbour.
Take care. See you soon.
She was sweet... Maria.
She has taken care of me since I was little.
That's why she got a little emotional.
She even changed diapers on me.
Do you change diapers?
It happens. Yes, it does!
I can't do it in front of ***.
I have to be though, you know!
At 13 Zlatan left the sand field in Rosengard to play in Malmo FF junior team.
When he was 15 he almost quit his football career.
His coaches persuaded him to continue.
The question now is will Malmo FF produce another Zlatan?
You can tell he has played in Holland.
He's technical as hell, to be honest.
Have you met your superior now?
He's very promising.
You can tell he really likes to play.
Do you think you'll ever play in Malmo FF again?
We'll see. Maybe after my career.
After your career?
Yes, after... I'm thinking about taking over Malmo FF.
Become president after Bengt Madsen.
You never know. I could become a gangster too.
Now we are going to see Timbuktu.
He has recorded a song he would like you to hear.
Great!
What type of music do you like?
Everything from reggae to yugo music.
Yugo music?
What's that?
Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian music, instrumental... it's very catchy.
Hi, how are you doing?
I wrote a song a while ago and then I thought it really speaks about the things you symbolize.
Especially for those who don't look very Swedish.
It's about being yourself.
We, in the National Team, often listen to you as we are getting ready.
Great, we've found our way into your dressing rooms.
Do you live in Malmo?
Yes, near here.
Malmo... the place to be.
We are near Mollan, did you have any falafel, yet?
Well, I've had one or two kebab in my times.
This was a little taste of the song.
Good.
I was embarrassed because my parents didn't speak good Swedish
and I looked different than the other kids.
I have also felt I have to be better and give more than the others
because of my last name and my background.
I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't worked hard and fought it.
Good luck!
Thank you, you too.
What did you think about the song?
It was good.
I mean, there's quality in everything he does.
See you at the pizzeria.
***, is it OK if I invite my brother for lunch?
Absolutely.
It's my friend's pizzeria.
I often eat there.
I have known him ever since we played in Malmo FF.
He became a pizza baker and I a football player.
This is my brother!
Hey, how's it going?
This is Michel, our pizza baker.
This is where I eat all the time.
Which one is my favourite?
He's a little nervous right now.
Is there a Zlatan Pizza?
We'll make one.
Did you work today? When did you come?
Yeah. I came around twelve.
What was he like when he was growing up?
When everyone was partying in the evenings, he went out with his ball and played in the yard.
Was he considered strange when he didn't want to party?
He lived to play football.
He brought that ball with him everywhere he went.
So it's great to see him so successful.
What's the age difference between you?
Five years.
Look here.
Here are all the birthdays.
They say I forget them so I tattooed them.
The men are on the right arm and the women on the left.
Have you got any tattoos?
No.
Mom... Dad...
Everything I do, he does too... right?
Yes, that's true.
If I get a tattoo he will too.
Has Zlatan changed now? Is he full of himself?
No, he has always been the same.
He's always been like this.
He has calmed down now when he's a father.
He's not as wild as before.
He was always out, doing pranks and being silly.
The baker was the silliest one.
We were always out doing pranks.
Blowing up letterboxes, or...?
That's a paparazzo guy.
Sometims I get them pizza or ice cream.
Really?
They're hiding behind a tree. As if I don't see them but I do.
Come eat with us now!
I've already eaten.
Don't you see that?
Do you ask Zlatan for things you can't afford?
No, never.
It doesn't work that way.
No one asks me directly.
They don't ask me.
I notice something and then I help without them knowing.
Not because I have to but because I want to.
I do it with love and joy, but I'm never asked.
We are all proud and independent.
Mom, for example.
She is still cleaning today.
She doesn't want to stop.
She's worked hard all her life.
We're going to meet Jorgen Kruth.
(Super Heavyweight Muay Thai Boxing World Champion)
What will you do with Zlatan?
We're going to box a little.
Don't hurt him.
Will you able to control yourself?
I'm not sure about that.
Martial arts is an interest of mine.
I feel rather agile and flexible so I think I can make some acrobatic movements.
This is our photographer.
He will take some pictures while you're training.
Water! Water!
Keep going and good luck!
Thank you, Jorgen!
Good match, good training.
What do you think about Euro 2008?
Everyone must be fit and there are a lots of factors involved.
Now we have Sebastian, so our chances have improved.
It's my first chance to play in a final tournament.
It's really exciting to be playing with Zlatan.
Has Zlatan been a rolemodel, an idol?
Yes, he has.
You dream about winning titles like he did yesterday.
It's fantastic for me to play with him.
I don't think about it too much.
I'm going to play my game and my teammates will be there, too.
I look forward to it.
Good luck now!
What would you be doing if you weren't a football pro?
Dad wanted me to become a lawyer but I can't see myself as a lawyer.
Have you ever had another job?
I practiced in school.
I worked as a baker and a janitor.
Baker?
I did it because I had to.
It was hard for me to sit still and focus in school.
My grade was 3.2. It's OK.
For someone in Rosengard it's very good.
This is the best area of Malmo.
We bought the house because we really liked it and it was big too.
We had been looking for a house for three years.
We always admired that house when we drove past it.
It's close to the beach.
To wake up there every morning seemed so nice.
Helena and I invited ourselves in for coffee.
It wasn't for sale.
I paid in order to get it.
Here it is!
These are your workers?
Yes, they're my workers.
They're lazy and just drink coffee.
Let me help you. I'm a gentelman.
A small pool.
But deep!
Yes, there must be room for me.
This is not an investement.
This is my home.
My home should have the best.
The contrast between this place and Rosengard, how does it feel?
You can take the guy out of Rosengard but not Rosengard out of the guy.
I haven't changed just because I live here.
I'm the same person I was before.
This is a very nice terrace.
You see everything from here.
This house is very exposed.
Everyone can see it...
They should know where Zlatan lives.
People are curious right now and want to take a peek.
It doesn't bother me.
Do you think about how fortunate you are?
Every day.
I know everything can change fast.
I wasn't always this privileged.
My family didn't have much money when I grew up.
It's not like I suddenly think I'm special now.
This is a project I want to base myself on.
Somewhere I can live in the future.
I'm very grounded.
After winning the league you said to the media: "You talk and I play."
There was a lot of negative press in Italy.
As I said, they can do the talking, I play.
But, if the criticism is fair?
If they say you played bad, that's totally OK. That's normal.
But when they start writing about deeper things you wonder what they're after.
I waited until the last moment, then I showed them.
There are newspapers that you haven't talked to for years.
If they respect me, I respect them.
We have to maintain a certain level.
Donald Duck level is not my level.
He crushed the Italian league,
he crushed the Dutch league,
he crushed the Swedish league...
He is Zlatan Ibrahimovic!
Do we have a challenger?
Yes, we have a challenger!
As he grew up Zlatan dreamed of playing in Inter.
At 27 he wins the Scudetto with his Inter.
He has won nine heavy titles and he is considered one of the greatest football players of all time.
What do you want next?
To win Champions League. For sure.