Following Friday’s training session, at around 1:30 p.m. Zlatan Ibrahimovic held his first press conference as a member of the LA Galaxy inside a jam-packed stadium club at the StubHub Center.
The mood was formal but lighthearted, with CEO Dan Beckerman, President Chris Klein and manager Sigi Schmid exchanging praise and dad jokes before Ibra took the mic.
“I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old and I will die young.”
-Zlatan on his age
The Galaxy target forward spoke briefly about his time at Manchester United. As it turns out Ibrahimovic originally wanted to head to LA a few years ago, but a deal could not be reached and Zlatan signed with the Red Devils.
“If the coach needs me for the whole game I’m there the whole game. If he needs me for one minute I’m there for one minute.”
-Zlatan on playing time
When pressed if Zlatan could participate in the World Cup, Ibra asked the reporter to let him enjoy LA before adding “If I want, I’m there”.
“So the haters become my fans”
-Zlatan responding to pundits criticizing his age
One last under reported tidbit: Ibrahimovic’s family is already here, with his wife and two children having already joined Ibra in LA. As we saw with former center back Jelle Van Damme, you cannot underestimate how important it is for a professional footballer to be settled into their new environment.
“Football is one religion. Wherever you come from, whoever you are. It brings everyone together, and everyone is welcome.”
“I’m not arrogant, I’m confident.”
El Trafico kicks off at high noon tomorrow.