This week, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s response to a reporter’s question about the Qatar World Cup went viral.
The Swedish striker had been sidelined due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and had only recently returned to action after undergoing knee surgery in May 2022.
In February of the same year, he made a substitute appearance in AC Milan’s 2-0 win over Atalanta, setting a new record for the oldest player to represent the Rossoneri at the age of 41 years and 146 days, surpassing Alessandro Costacurta’s previous record.
Following his return to action, Zlatan Ibrahimovic achieved another milestone in Serie A by becoming the oldest-ever goalscorer in the league.
He achieved this feat by converting a retaken penalty in Milan’s 3-1 loss against Udinese.
Ibrahimovic quizzed about Qatar upon return to the national side
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s successful recovery from injury led to his call-up to the Swedish national team for their European Championship qualifying matches against Belgium and Azerbaijan.
However, upon his return to the national side, he was asked about his views on the Qatar World Cup during a press conference held last Tuesday.
Leading up to the tournament, concerns were raised about Qatar’s human rights record by various individuals and organizations, including BBC Sport presenter Gary Lineker.
Lineker pointed out issues such as the criminalization of homosexuality, restrictions on women’s rights and freedom of expression, and the alleged mistreatment of migrant workers who had helped construct the stadiums.
Ibrahimovic himself was present in Qatar, attending the final between Argentina and France.
Ibrahimovic positive about the World Cup
When asked about his experiences in the country and at the tournament though, the forward surprised the reporter with his answer.
“Fantastic. It was awesome,” he said in the clip which has now been viewed more than 2.6 million times. “My family and I were there for two days.
“The organisation, 10 points. The experience, 10 points. The match, 10 points.
“The audience, 10 points. The food, 10 points. The trip, 10 points. The World Cup, 10 points. Everything was 10 points.”
He then stared and smiled at the journalist before asking: “What do you want to hear? Something else?”
The reporter states that he was curious about Ibrahimovic’s views of the country, given the criticism it has faced, but the Swede stuck to his views.
“Ten points,” he said.
Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s response to question about Qatar World Cup
Reporter asks Zlatan Ibrahimovic about his experience at the Qatar World Cup.
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He definitely wasn’t expecting this answer… pic.twitter.com/Vnx8J5wO8j— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) March 26, 2023
What next for Ibrahimovic?
Later that same week, Zlatan Ibrahimovic received a warm welcome from fans as he came off the bench in the 73rd minute during Sweden’s match against Belgium.
This was his first appearance for the national team since March 2022. However, he was unable to play in the match against Azerbaijan due to another injury he had sustained.
“It’s really frustrating for him and really frustrating for us. Unfortunately, that’s where we are,” Sweden coach Janne Andersson said ahead of the game, viaThe Washington Post.
Upon Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return, Milan will carefully evaluate the striker’s physical condition. Given that he has just recovered from a significant injury, the club will take all necessary measures to ensure that he remains fit and healthy.