Sweden International Superstar Millionaire Footballer: "Male Footballers Deserve More Recognition"
The Swedish FA had given a brand new Volvo to Anders Svensson in recognition of his record-breaking 143 caps for the Swedish national men's team. Also in attendance at the same gala was 187 times capped Therese Sjogram who was not recognised as extravagantly. This action was rightly condemned by the international media. However, in response, Ibrahimovic claimed "They [women footballers] should be rewarded in relation to what they generate [financially]"
"When I come out in Europe they compare me to [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. When I come home they compare me to a female player." The "female player" Ibrahimovic refers to is presumably Olympique Lyonnaise striker Lotta Schelin who is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the world.
Zlatan is a player that I personally have followed since he was seventeen and I believe he is one of the best strikers in men's European football but, that cannot excuse such comments and cannot be condoned by an FA, coming from their national team captain.
He did continue "I was asked [by Swedish media] in the summer who was the better player, me or [Sweden striker] Lotta Schelin. You're joking with me, right? When I've broken all these records, this goal record, the goals in the national team, who shall I compare it to? Shall I compare it to whoever has the record, or the ladies?" Ibrahimovic's comments have outraged many across the football world including Sweden Women's National head coach Pia Sundhage who branded him "boring and sad" She said Ibrahimovic's viewpoint "betrays ... male football's values". She told STV that it was "boring and sad for Swedish football when a team captain puts it so. One time, he says that we are fantastic and then he thinks that we should have a bike … It feels like he is up and down in the article and it is unfortunately completely wrong, I think.
"I understand him when he says that [the men's] squad pulls in more money and exposure. But it's still about respect, we're doing the same stuff: it's football. Then, one should not compare men and women, it is quite impossible."
This article has stirred such strong emotion that it could have a galvanising effect on the women's game the world over and encourage it's growing popularity.
For the full interview go to http://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/zlatans-attack-efter-debatten-om-bilpriset/
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