"When I die, this (statue) will live on forever," Ibracadabra said
For most, it would be the culmination of a life's work. For Zlatan Ibrahimovic, having a statue erected in his honour is probably abase expectation.
The Swedish FA announced on Monday that a 2.7-metre likeness of the Manchester United star is to be built outside the Friends Arena in Stockholm.
The news followed an even less surprising presentation: 36-year-old Ibracadabra winning his nation's Golden Ball award for the 10th consecutive year.
Zlatan is now retired from international football after 114 games and 62 goals for Sweden, and this was his record 11th Golden Ball.
No other player has received the award more than twice since it began in 1946."It feels unreal. Many are thinking 'Why him?' and so on, but after all the hard work over 15 years in the national team and 20 years in my club career, it feels like it's being appreciated," Ibrahimovic told the crowd.
"You usually get this after you die, but I still feel alive. When I die, this (statue) will live on forever."
The Diamond Ball for the best female player went to 33-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl, who won the award for the second year running.
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| Zlatan Ibrahimovic was awarded with the Golden Ball at the Swedish Football Gala in Stockholm(Photo: Rex) |
For most, it would be the culmination of a life's work. For Zlatan Ibrahimovic, having a statue erected in his honour is probably abase expectation.
The Swedish FA announced on Monday that a 2.7-metre likeness of the Manchester United star is to be built outside the Friends Arena in Stockholm.
The news followed an even less surprising presentation: 36-year-old Ibracadabra winning his nation's Golden Ball award for the 10th consecutive year.
Zlatan is now retired from international football after 114 games and 62 goals for Sweden, and this was his record 11th Golden Ball.
 |
| Friends Arena in Solna outside Stockholm will have a statue devoted to Zlatan(Photo: Reuters) |
No other player has received the award more than twice since it began in 1946."It feels unreal. Many are thinking 'Why him?' and so on, but after all the hard work over 15 years in the national team and 20 years in my club career, it feels like it's being appreciated," Ibrahimovic told the crowd.
"You usually get this after you die, but I still feel alive. When I die, this (statue) will live on forever."
The Diamond Ball for the best female player went to 33-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl, who won the award for the second year running.
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