The One Time Zlatan Ibrahimovic Backed Down: Ashley Cole Shares Humorous Story of Confrontation
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his fearless confrontational style both on and off the pitch, had a rare moment of backing down during his time with LA Galaxy, particularly in a lighthearted encounter with Ashley Cole.
Cole, who played alongside Ibrahimovic in the MLS, described the Swedish striker’s dual personality in a recent appearance on Sky Sports’ A League Of Their Own.
While Ibrahimovic projected a larger-than-life persona to the media, boasting about his abilities and success, Cole painted a different picture of him in the locker room—humble and reserved.
However, there was a memorable incident where Ibrahimovic attempted to assert his dominance in the dressing room but quickly found himself in check. Cole recalled, “He tried to once, he did throw his hands in the air.
And I said, ‘Put your f***ing hands down, I’m deadly serious.’ I was thinking, ‘You might have a little point, but don’t put your hands up.’” This encounter showcased how even a player as formidable as Zlatan could be brought down a peg by a teammate.
During his two seasons with LA Galaxy, Ibrahimovic was a prolific scorer, netting 53 goals in 58 appearances, cementing his status as one of the league’s standout players.
Cole played alongside him during the latter part of his career, eventually transitioning to coaching roles at clubs like Derby County, Everton, and Birmingham, as well as the England national team.
The playful exchange between Cole and Ibrahimovic highlights the unique dynamics that can exist in a football dressing room, especially with a character as iconic as Zlatan.
The One Time Zlatan Ibrahimovic Backed Down: Ashley Cole Shares Humorous Story of Confrontation
