Zlatan Ibrahimovic FULL INTERVIEW: Man United issues, AC Milan & fear of retirement | ESPN FC

Zlatan Ibrahimovic sits down with Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens for the latest episode of “Gab & Juls Meets.” A wide-ranging chat on his current club AC Milan, his time at Manchester United in the Premier League, playing for PSG and in MLS. Plus, much more.
0:00 AC Milan's title challenge
1:27 Adjusting to a new role
6:23 Retirement plans
8:45 How his hunger has had longevity
11:29 His time at Manchester United
15:18 Why he enjoyed playing in the Premier League
16:30 Enjoying being hated
18:20 Being a different person at home to on the pitch
20:17 Dad/coach Zlatan
23:58 The day he flagged down a motorcycle to get to a music festival
26:40 Memories of his time at PSG
29:57 Growing up in diverse Sweden
32:04 Being the best player in MLS
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[@bubz1013]

Ibra is a true legend! One of the most unique play styles we'll ever see.

[@kh7688]

@@yasssighs6034 You're a brave man, I can't even begin to imagine football without Zlatan. Both the player and the personality.

[@nitishsalian1354]

this guy made PSG.. Not neymar , not Mbappe , no one.. ZLATAN is still the KING in Paris !! Long Live

[@chikon1409]

Dont forget ronaldinho

[@anyarasan8529]

No messi

[@agnidiptahomroy8656]

@@chikon1409 during Ronaldinho's time, almost no one knew about PSG, it's only after Zlatan went there, everyone started knowing about that club.

[@ruslannabiev2399]

He put PSG on the map.

[@HtutWin]

@@agnidiptahomroy8656 I agree. To be honest when I think PSG, I think Zlatan. Him in the PSG uniform.

[@100xloading]

Zlatan is an inspiration, especially for those of us in our late 30's early 40's. One of the all time greats IMO.

[@MisterO98]

That’s not an opinion fam, that’s a fact!

[@MisterO98]

That’s not an opinion fam, that’s a fact!

[@thomadams7621]

Or... at 66. I think most people can spot special when they see it, whether they admit it or not.

[@gianlucadimarzio5219]

Remember watching Zlatan live over 20 years ago when he played in the second division in sweden and malmö came to play in my city. At the time nobody know who he was, after the game the entire town was talking about this young zlatan boy. Will never forget it. It was easy to tell he was something different, this human will go places play for big clubs.

[@benficaM8888]

definitely. now I'm in my late 30s, and ready to win a major european trophy like Serie A. just like zlatan

[@johnnychannel7824]

He is not only a talented footballer, he is also an intelligent man

[@FatTodd]

People seem to forget he was the best striker in the world. Zlatan at psg was unbelievable.

[@Cvs________]

He wasn’t. Tell me which year & I’ll name you a better striker that year. Bare in mind he was playing in a farmers league. But yeah, definitely pushed for top 3 / top 5 consistently over a number of years

[@dondamon4669]

Was never the top striker lol you must not know football?

[@renetreur4607]

Zlatan at psg? Did you see him play in Serie A before his time in Barca?

[@FatTodd]

@@renetreur4607 yes at Milan, but zlatan said himself that his best years were at psg, it was at the start of the money era, the squad wasn’t like what it is today. Lyon Monaco etc weren’t too far behind (was more competitive)

[@renetreur4607]

@@FatTodd fair point, but he dug 3 italian clubs from the dirt to bring them back to the top. I remember his Milan and Juve days fondly. As well as inter

[@siddhanth3044]

Zlatan seemed emotional when talking about how he is disappointed that he could not be on the pitch as much this season. Reeks of pure passion and love for the game, the thought of it never being the same again cannot be easy to digest, but he quickly reminds himself of his responsibility as a leader in the team to support the young lads on and off the pitch. Top class.

[@mikesalvatore1]

So refreshing hearing this legend drop bars. Makes me wonder how many times we make excuses for things we think we cannot achieve while our body is made of steel. Feeding the mind is something we neglect alot to do.

[@florentn7442]

but you cant compare humans with lions

[@lukew6725]

@@florentn7442 Imagine comparing lions to God. 🤦‍♂️

[@iurizur8526]

Yea, but his body is actually made of steel 😅

[@danieljoseph6755]

Fantastic interview and Ibra seems as though he’s accepted where he is at in his career

[@azmanhussain]

Iono. He’s just saying this for PR. Inside him I think he knows he can play till 55

[@renetreur4607]

Yeah while he's still active. But obviously he's not ready to give it up yet but feels it can't be many more years(or even months). Lovely to see him open up and be vulnerable, the man who is never afraid of anything or showed weakness is in fact afraid of ending his career and reaching that goalline. I'm sure anyone can relate. I broke my anckle and had to call it quits after another big injury on the same anckle at 21, i could not put myself to watching or reading about football for over a year

[@azmanhussain]

@@renetreur4607 yea despite injury though he can continue. The thing is him, CR have put so much work and focus and have built up so much wisdom in football, even if they are slower they have immeasurable ways to contribute. As a United Fan, I’ve seen Memphis, Rooney, DiMaria, sancho, Rashford, Falcao, Lukaku, martial, Dan James, Greenwood etc. Zlatan and CR helped us win so many more games than all others combined even older.

[@renetreur4607]

@@azmanhussain yeah Zlatan is an absolute treasure and a rolemodel. He leads by example usually, now that he can't, he leads by supporting his team 🔥👏

[@sametozkan9175]

Zlatan wasn't a guest

[@akshayjoshi2476]

Great interview, top man Ibra !! Made Jules giggle and blush just like his kids would have when Zlatan waved ‘at them’! What a moment for Gab n Jules podcast, Gab’s screen and mic time was historically lower !

[@solac388]

Hahaha Jules is such a fanboy

[@niteshdahir]

So much respect for this guy. An absolute legend.

[@tombrown8443]

Love Zlatan. Not just an awesome footballer but he is so humble and inspirational individual.

[@mwheezee]

Zlatan humble ?!

[@xBYRNEZx]

as a United fan we will always love and respect Ibra, especially for leaving the club when he knew he couldn't give Jose or the fans 100% of himself. Wish nothing but success for this man... he brought us trophies and was a true leader

[@lateefayinla2412]

The Zlatan you didn't love when he was at your club...stop this hypocrisy

[@xBYRNEZx]

@@lateefayinla2412 you know I didn't love him do you? You don't even know me 🤣🤣

[@mullaoslo]

United has done many things wrong the last 10 years.. But signing zlatan, and then offering him a second year even though the injury could have kept him out the entire season is probably the best one they made.. 2 place and 3 trophies.. We haven't sniffed that since sir Alex left

[@arahaman8082]

He has become more humble as time goes by...TOP MENTALITY 👏👏

[@davissebastian9129]

Thanks for doing an interview with Zlatan

[@WahWahWehWah]

The man, the myth, the legend!

[@EthanCruise]

The God lol

[@williamattkinson5487]

Probably my favourite player ever, still amazing at 40

[@Ronny_Ron]

Ever?

[@williamattkinson5487]

@@Ronny_Ron yes. Absolutely. Not saying he's the best ever, but he's my favorite footballer. Absolutely unique

[@Ronny_Ron]

@@williamattkinson5487 alright, I get you, but say you have a chance to sign Zlatan, Messi, CR7 or Maradona, who will you pick?

[@Simon-gq8wn]

@@Ronny_Ron If we are talking prime then obviously Messi but if you are realistic and look up their resumes you will see that Zlatan is way more proven when it comes to new leagues and teams. Just look at what he did with United and compare it to what CR7 is doing with them now... Messi hasnt adapted that great to PSG and the french league.

[@k.b.6210]

Just loving the comment section... So much love and admiration....he deserves it all🔥

[@mrstandupguy]

Football will miss Zlatan, Zlatan won’t miss football ⚽️ This man is, was and always will be a legend!

[@zanta2290]

GREAT INTERVIEW , i wish this interview was more LONGERRR.. let’s get it for milan this year ibra ❤️🖤

[@babyfaceassassin4431]

Zlatan is the reason AC milan have improved so much, AC milan fans know its because of him they are able to fight for title , A TRUE LEADER

[@sreemantokesh3999]

how can you not love this man.

[@ordi4912]

Awesome interview, Zlatan what a player and a legend forever.

[@alanmedrano7930]

When Ibra retires, I hope he goes into coaching. Imagine the mentality monsters he would make 🔥

[@farhanmirdha3598]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪he will be the coach of the young monsters

[@nazgul7914]

Coaching goes into Ibra

[@iamag9005]

He will become a sporting director or a superagent and not a coach.

[@MarkLaw13]

Zlatan interviewing Gab and Juls. Not the other way round. They both have their jackets on. Juls had his Benzema Jersey on but King Zlatan was coming.

[@miguelbarradas9858]

Zlatan is real 👏👏👏

[@roronoazorro7052]

Milan, right now would have been outside Top 6 without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, His influence on the team whether he plays or not, is unbelievable

[@sneakytacos773]

Changed their culture

[@rossl5908]

Has that 🏆 mentality

[@Bdupdup]

agreed

[@dominicekezie2011]

And they won!

[@angshumanchakraborty9431]

Such a lovely human being. Zlatan the BOSS!!

[@jonellefrancis5061]

A living Legend!! Hope Milan can win the League and "wishful" the 2023 CPL just for this guy

[@Ronny_Ron]

Well, they did. They won. Zlatan st 40

[@sa8783]

those lil clips were pissing me off ty for finally posting it as one video lmfao

[@lesa8315]

Football world will miss you so much.

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

He developed so much as a person which is impressive. I think CR7 could learn from him.

[@posmatambunantv2698]

Fantastic Ibrahimovic....Always a great fan of him 👍

[@Lyrke]

Zlatan is brilliant.

[@paulz4667]

Last season he was top 3 scorer in serie a and got them into UCL as their best player at age 40 that's just insane. Plus Stefano is a journeyman manager

[@hanifibrahim460]

The word "Legend" gets thrown around a lot, but this man is very much deserving...

[@kh7688]

And then some...

[@adarshsv3024]

Zlatan being Zlatan.. Being himself 🔥🔥@34:13

[@seanzadsalamat5167]

A humble god I see.

[@Leetbeast]

Awesome interview with Zlatan!! Very cool you have him on here!!

[@benficaM8888]

I think people forgot because it's been soo long. Ibra played a huge role on shaping PSG, making them into a world class club. Ibra & Thiago Silva were the first two world class players they signed. and they were the reasons other big players are willing to join PSG

[@serz1885]

first great player they signed is Ronaldinho after him been many more like Jay-Jay Okocha, Sorin, Mikel Arteta, Pauleta, Mateja Kežman , Beckham etc PSG in 1999-2004 squad was amazing

[@saqibu5]

He is one of the most important factors for MILAN's resurgence along with Maldini.

[@medivhtheguardian245]

No one else can break Zlatan’s records. Only Zlatan can break Zlatan’s record. What a young talent.

[@Hiiiiiiiii92]

The reason zlatan is still playing is the Scandinavian mentality never give up 🔥❤️💙

[@sanjeevvij7699]

Wow. Top notch stuff, great work!

[@aintmyshit]

Great interview...love Ibra's tongue in cheek comments....good job, Gab and Jules

[@Chris-Oyema]

Big Zlatan a real Legend.

[@JAAS______00001]

„It’s easy to go to a club with success. The challenge is different when you come to a club which has no success. “ King Zlatko 👑

[@JeSus_4894]

I love the guy and his attitude to life. True legend, model and inspiration to me.

[@TheHarryb]

What a top player, what a great man. An example to many.

[@mariuszj3826]

Zlatan is one of those football players that have shown that you can play at the highest level into your 40's. Just 20 years back it was either super rare or unthinkable, now, we see more players excel well into their mid 30's and it's becoming more common. Zlatan is an example to longevity of one's career. He's paving a way to what one can achieve in football.

[@jcang8176]

Always excited and enjoy when see Zlatan interview..

[@yiannicatopodis5952]

what a player

[@tfonias]

This is the kind of interview I want to see!

[@miguelbarradas9858]

Gab and Jules great 👍 professional 👏👏👏👏👏

[@MilgrineGenio]

I love Zlatan's confidence, only a few could carfy that air!

[@DJeMo]

Not many will have the collage of goals this man has and the journey of his career overall it is quite outstanding to his talent and professional integrity, all with that lil character ego and wink of the eye, absolute monster in the field and a true legend of the game, I've watched him across any league, and he was one of them individuals of the sport, top man Ibra.... THE LION 🦁

[@abdulsalamhussein291]

One of rare strikers. Simplicity is second name zlatan

[@hadhamalnam]

It's funny how it's impossible to interrupt Ibra

[@thomadams7621]

I've always loved Zlatan for some reason (besides his ability and talents on the field). His passion was even brought out on video games (go figure) back=-in-the-day, when I played frequently with some friends. Imagine that? The PES A-I was smokin". Z is to soccer as Kobe is to basketball. This interview was the most cerebral, and at times hilarious interview I've ever seen from any sports figure, or maybe ANY PERSON. Ever. We're on the nearly EXACT same vibe. This iconic player's attitude and ideology is so on-point... there's really nothing left to say. Except maybe, that it scales, tehe.

[@zamis87]

Great interview by Gab and Jules.

[@cahaldoherty2444]

Legend.

[@maliko127]

Amazing interview guys!

[@TanCoyer]

the true GOAT! massive respect! love this guy! born winner! real legend. ( from a spurs fan)

[@shouldbegift]

so inspirational and motivational

[@molalignkema4737]

As to me, Ibrimovich is not only foot ball players, he is also a good father and advisor to those who wants to be dependent and autonomous in their life they are living!!!

[@OzyMandias13]

At a little over 53k, the total number of views on this video is shameful. Every football fan should want to see this.

[@pritapp788]

He said elsewhere that he had not foreseen how inward-looking United would be as a club and that was a real handicap compared to other places he's been. What he is doing with Milan is amazing. I was extremely skeptical when he returned to Italy but he contributed immensely to them turning things around.

[@mrfab4383]

If he had speed he would be the best striker of all time, technically with the ball he is the perfect striker.

[@cahaldoherty2444]

He used to! Discounted alot in the last 10 year after 30 aha Just shows the consistency of the lion!

[@mrfab4383]

@@cahaldoherty2444 At Malmo he was fast but in general for his career i never thought he was dangerous running in behind, for a striker he is super complete, he can do everything but he never had that speed, if he had it he would’ve been unstoppable.

[@zamis87]

@@mrfab4383 he was quite fast for his height. Now he is more power and a much better aerial threat. He has really evolved well with age and reason why he stays so relevant.

[@syedsabeeth7996]

He was always fast. Just not very quick over short distances.

[@sarthak1314]

He was already the world's best striker, even without the speed

[@vinniebarbarino-1]

ZLATAN the BEST !

[@teflondon3359]

Love zlatan he a legend

[@salihkurtovic9747]

The best player ever walks on earth

[@sramesh4558]

BRILLIANT !!! FANTASTIC !!! GAB AND JULS, WELL DONE, PLS GET MORE "GOD'S LIKE IBRA... TQ VERY MUCH.

[@tjfaber3071]

Legend 👈 👈 only 1 zlatan ❤️

[@nadjimansouri8360]

I didn't follow milan at all This Season,but I'm pretty sure a Big Reason why they are having a great Season is the attitude and force of personality that This man has spread in the Locker room.

[@223raulh]

Fantastic! I'm surprised you got him!

[@truegunner7223]

Sweden has not produced another player anywhere near as good as Ibra since he started playing only shows how special a player he is.

[@hex7332]

One of a kind

[@Jarizen2718]

His not Swedish his father is Bosnian and mother is Croatian Ibrahimovic is a Muslim Bosnian Lastname

[@truegunner7223]

@@Jarizen2718 sounds like "Critical Race Theory"😀

[@fifa4lifeunknow795]

@@Jarizen2718 born in Sweden

[@addir9502]

Great stuff

[@MultiLiveevil]

Special player. And he knew he was special... ❤❤❤

[@BDK8872]

wow! this guy is for real!!!

[@Adam-sm9dt]

Ibra is legend I love when he said to his kids when you go to play give 100% if not don't play that's mentality should everyone have in any things you do in life.

[@nocturnalsky9733]

He's right...best player in MLS. I miss him with the galaxy.

[@cretz2471]

Absolute legend always 💛💙💛

[@pitogaming1261]

I still love this guy more n more 😢

[@pairtra]

Legend

[@frankavellone1175]

Ya' gotta love it!

[@warrenforest7417]

Man United fan here - love Ibra. I'm sad he left they way he left. I wish he was given more of a chance to return

[@nickddd333]

Love this guy

[@elmairkdfienfbfmdk]

AC Milan Legend🔥

[@thatchillkid07]

Messi ronaldo & ibrahimovic. The best players of this generation

[@kh7688]

Facts.

[@abrahamamangirmay6784]

Legend of the game ....

[@marko6947]

Gotta read that book. His first one was great.

[@truthfully2277]

Once a red you always remain a red. We love you King Zlatan.

[@laminjawo5586]

Milan vs Verona must watch game. From a Barcelona fan

[@kachdragonfly]

TRUE legend of the game - on and off the field. He should go on the GLOBAL public speaking circuit. He has so much knowledge and experience to share.

[@Alf180]

Some of the absolute screamers this guy scored 🔥 ⚽️

[@fahmikamil2386]

the best of the best zala

[@nicoraodoesntexist]

I enjoyed it so much...... THE BEST! ZLATANISM!

[@movtheories8988]

I always love this guy, one pf the greatest

[@coffeeaficion]

The perfect (not interview) podtalk with Ibra so far!!! Really open talking, lots of topics,not just football aspect! :D

[@BB-ix3fw]

ZLATAN💪🏻💪🏻

[@skyfall2813]

Long live King ZLATAN 🙌