Just under two months since Zlatan Ibrahimovic was honoured by fans in his home town of Malmo with the erection of a huge bronze statue outside Friends Arena, feelings towards the Swedish star have soured with news that he has bought a 50 percent stake in rival side Hammarby.
Ibrahimovic was honoured with the bronze statue – which stands at 8ft 9in tall and weighs almost 500kg – by the fans from his first professional club in his home town of Malmo. But just under two months since its unveiling, the statue has had a toilet seat hung off it and later a plastic bag placed over the head. But things were taken a step further shortly after, with the statue being set on fire. That’s because of the news that Zlatan has bought a 25 percent stake in Malmo’s long-time rivals, Hammarby.
His involvement in the deal is part of his investment in AEG Sweden — a Swedish sports and live entertainment company — which owns a minority stake in Hammarby. “Hammarby is a great club, with passionate supporters and a respected history in Stockholm and throughout Sweden,” said Ibrahimovic, seemingly not sparing a thought for the Malmo faithful. “I am excited for the opportunity to continue my relationship with AEG while supporting one of the most interesting and influential clubs in Sweden.”
Hammarby finished third in the Allsvenskan last season, level on points with Malmo and one behind champions Djurgardens.
Zlatan just wouldn't be Zlatan if he didn't rub some people up the wrong way.
