Basketball great, Kobe Bryant, is an avid soccer fan. Having grown up in Italy, Bryant played soccer everyday and became immersed in the culture during his time there. So, which team does Kobe Bryant support? Why, A.C. Milan of course.
In an interview with FIFA, Bryant professed that soccer is his favorite sport. He inherited his love for Milan from his father, who was also an avid fan, and he keeps a Milan shirt and scarf in his locker for inspiration.
With his father playing pro basketball, Bryant harbored a love for both games during his childhood. Yet, when he moved back to the U.S., he found that opportunities to play soccer were slim, so he chose to focus on basketball. Still, he credits his background in soccer for helping his basketball career.
"I'm comfortable with basketball footwork because I played soccer," Bryant told the Chicago Tribune in 2006. "From changing up rhythms to foot speed, to being comfortable with having my right foot as my pivot foot and my left foot as my pivot foot."
Dutch legend and three-time Ballon D'or winner, Marco van Basten, was Bryant's favorite player growing up, when Milan was at the height of its dominance. 'The Swan of Utrecht' was part of the Rossoneri team that charged to several domestic titles and three European cups during the late '80's/early '90's.
Dutch legend Van Basten was a huge influence on young Kobe. Photo: @olympia_vintage | Twitter
It's been a hard few years for fans of Rossoneri, who have seen their team fall quite dramatically from those lofty heights. With that in mind, who is Bryant's favorite player in the current squad?
"[Mario]Balotelli is a friend of mine," said Bryant. "I want him to become an even greater player than he is now."
Not quite Marco van Basten, but whatever. Photo: @KobeBryant | Twitter
Despite his die-hard support for the San Siro club, the official F.C. Barcelona page published this shocking piece of information: Kobe Bryant is a Barca fan.
Cue dramatic music! Photo: @GoalcomSA | Twitter
The Lakers star was photographed at a Blaugrana training session ahead of the International Champions Cup last summer. His daughter also had the chance to train with them, with the aptly named "Mamba Team."
"I love watching Messi, Iniesta and the rest of the squad," said Bryant, who has been following the team for a decade.
So, which team does Kobe Bryant support? Um...we're not exactly sure now.
