To some that makes Ibrahimovic too arrogant and conceited to appreciate and for those of that viewpoint this book will undoubtedly fan those flames of irritation. But to my mind, sport is about entertainment and big characters with sublime skill and a, shall we say “interesting”, personality just make things all the more entertaining. What a dull world it would be if every footballer just came out with all the usual clichéd guff to be found in repeated worthless autobiographies.
Nothing like that for Ibrahimovic. From his tough upbringing in an immigrant community in Malmo, Sweden, passed between his divorced parents, through to breaking through at Malmo and Ajax Amsterdam. He may have joined Arsenal but for a refusal to ‘audition’ as he puts it. He went on to some of the biggest clubs in Europe of course, in Milan, Barcelona and Paris, and it is his respect for the tough approach of some coaches that stands out; Mourinho and Capello, and his contempt for what he views as the weaker approach of others.
Filled with plenty of anecdotes to amuse and horrify in equal measure, this book is written, by Swedish ghost writer David Lagercrantz, in Zlatan’s voice in the literal and figurative sense. It comes across as though he is speaking to you and spilling his thoughts without any need to hold back.
The most compelling aspects though are the early chapters giving wonderful insight into the immigrant life in what is generally assumed to be one of the more progressive countries around. The picture painted is a vivid and often disturbing one, as a young Zlatan fights for recognition, respect and simply for survival.
The insights into his thought processes on the field also give a depth that is rare among footballers, at least in their written outputs anyway. A true maverick, he explains the way he sees things on the pitch and how a ‘flashbulb moment’ in the course of a match or training session can lead to the most sublime of moves. As he states: “Football isn’t something you plan in advance.” And in a world where the sporting focus is often on stifling free-spirited non-conformity for the supposed greater good of the team, that makes a refreshing change, as does this autobiography. One that has been rightly lauded as one of the best sports books of last year.
- Aidan Williams http://thesportsbookreview.com
Publisher - Penguin Books Ltd
Date of Publication - September 5, 2013