Putting money before legacy
Ibrahimovic deals against superstars in Saudi Arabia
October 7, 2023, 12:21 p.m
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already ended his career, and not in Saudi Arabia. He cannot understand why other football stars are switching to the local league. However, all he cares about is how you go down in history. He does not share moral concerns.
Sweden’s football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic is critical of the moves of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to Saudi Arabia. “You should be remembered for your talent and not for what you earned,” the former striker said in an interview with Britain’s “Uncensored Show.” For the 42-year-old, who ended his career at AC Milan after last season, Ronaldo and Co., some of whom earn astronomical sums, are putting their legendary status at risk.
“What we train for every day and what we are recognized for is our talent. And that is what you want to be remembered for. I think that certain players who reach a certain level have to stop at a certain stage – and this is the big stage. You can’t go to a weaker league and end your career in a different way,” Ibrahimovic said.
No concerns about human rights
In his view, prominent footballers should care more about their legacy than financial gain. “A player who has already made a lot of money goes there and gets an incredible amount of money more. Does that change your life? You die before you have spent the money that you already earned before Saudi Arabia. There will be no difference do,” said Ibrahimovic, who himself rejected offers from Saudi Arabia and a 100 million euro offer from China. He asked himself: “What do you want? What goals do you have?”
Ronaldo was the first star player to move to Al-Nassr in January, where he is expected to earn 200 million euros a year. In the summer, Saudi clubs spent more than 600 million euros on superstars such as Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané. However, Ibrahimovic excludes from his criticism players who are not among the highest paid professionals and who have therefore decided to move to the Saudi Pro League.
However, Ibrahimovic would not have any moral concerns about playing in Saudi Arabia, which has been criticized for its human rights situation. “Absolutely not. We do things for ourselves and our families. Who would judge you in five or ten years if you lead a wealthy, healthy and good life?”