Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived in Los Angeles last week and has wasted no time in reaching peak levels of Zlatanocity.
To start, there was the full-page, five-word ad he took out in the LA Times to announce his arrival. Then there was his first training session with the club, during which he had to be dragged away from shooting practice so that he might remain fresh for this Saturday's LA derby.
Now he has given perhaps the most entertaining press conference in MLS history.
"Los Angeles called, and I answered." pic.twitter.com/1wHm5hNix8
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) March 31, 2018
While we could comment ad nauseam on Zlatan's future in MLS and impact on the league, we'll let Zlatan speak for himself. Here are some of Zlatan's best quotes from the LA Galaxy press conference.
Zlatan's Best Quotes From His LA Galaxy Press Conference
On his future in MLS:
"I know what I am able to do and I know what I will do. I come here to win. I feel excited. The lion is hungry."
On his age and the naysayers:
"I feel young. I said once before I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old, now I will die young. Don’t worry about my age. When I came to England they all said I was old and I came in a wheelchair. After three months I conquered England and they said I was flying."
On playing in Los Angeles:
"Los Angeles called and I answered. They are the most successful club in the U.S., the MLS, and I think it is the right environment for me. They are used to getting players from Europe in this situation and there are good people behind the club. I see the potential."
On being the best:
"We have four billion playing football in the world. And imagine when you are on top how you feel. It feels good up here."
On the difference between arrogance and confidence:
"I am just an extra puzzle in the big puzzle. I choose LA Galaxy because I wanted it. I know what I can bring it and I will bring it. I am not arrogant, I am confident."
On his date with destiny:
"This thing was supposed to happen a couple of years before but it didn’t. I am here now. The destiny was that it was supposed to happen, the question was only when. I am happy to be here. Finally I am here, I am excited and looking forward to playing. I am looking forward to getting on the field."
The 36-year-old Zlatan has much to prove after battling back from a serious knee injury last year with Manchester United. Ibrahimovic is the latest in a long line of superstars to sign with the LA Galaxy: David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Ashley Cole to name a few.
Zlatan and MLS fans won't have to wait long to see how things go. After training with the club on Friday, Zlatan could debut as soon as this Saturday during the inaugural LA derby between the LA Galaxy and new-to-MLS LAFC.
