“You damn well do not!” – Ibrahimovic explains why he would barge Azpilicueta again
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that he deliberately jumped into Spain’s full-back Cesar Azpilicueta on international service and explained why he would do it again.
The Swedish striker claims that Azpilicueta made comments against a teammate, which in his eyes justified a physical confrontation.
Azpilicueta stayed on the ground in obvious pain but avoided serious injuries, while Ibrahimovic is now suspended for his nation’s first World Cup play-off match.
What happened between Ibra and Azpilicueta?
Ibrahimovic slammed the Chelsea man in the back during a solid situation on November 14, which caused him to fall on the grass.
Zlatan received a yellow card for this shoulder charge on Azpilicueta 😳 pic.twitter.com/64ipgvvm4X
– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) 15 November 2021
What has been said?
“The other day in the national team, I gave another tackle [Spain’s Azpilicueta]. I did it on purpose, Ibrahimovic admitted The guard. “I’m not ashamed to say it because he did something stupid to my player. To act big on my player. It was a stupid thing but I would still do it to make him understand: ‘You’re not doing that damn thing. You have no balls to do that to me. But I’ll show you what happens if you do that to me. That’s why I did it.
“What can he say? He will not say it to me but he will say it to my player – who will not do anything because he is too kind. It was not good of me, but I would do it anyway It’s me, I’m not ashamed to say it.
“It’s not about missing the playoffs. It’s about making the guy understand that you are not pissing on someone who goes to bed. [on the ground]. You do not attack a dog that does not talk.
“Attack the one who can do something. It’s too easy to choose my teammates who are 20 years old and very nice guys. I hope he understands now.”
Sweden’s World Cup play-off status
After finishing second in its UEFA qualifying group, Sweden must navigate through the playoffs to reach Qatar.
Their opponent will be decided via a draw with an unseeded opponent.
Ibrahimovic will miss after receiving a yellow card for his foul on Azpilicueta.