Zlatan Ibrahimovic calls himself ‘a lion on the pitch’ – but insists he’s not being arrogant
Man U striker says his 'confidence' doesn't make him a 'bad-boy'
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has described himself as 'a lion on the pitch' - but bemoaned how people mistake his 'confidence' for arrogance.
The Swedish striker, 34, signed to Manchester United earlier this summer on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, and is set to make his Premier League debut against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Today he took to Sky Sports to address his 'bad-boy' image, which he feels he has been unfairly given.
"I'm a normal person. People have the image of me that I'm a bad boy; I'm this and I'm that. People are curious: 'How is this Zlatan?'"
But Ibrahimovic insists he is actually a dedicated family man and his so-called 'arrogance' is simply self-confidence.
"I'm a family guy. I'm taking care of my family but, when I step on the pitch, I'm a lion. That's the big difference. I don't believe I'm arrogant in the way that people think. I'm confident. I believe in myself.
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That's not being arrogant. That's something I believe is an individual strength in the human being.
"I have confidence and I believe in myself. I have a vision and I do everything. I work hard for it. I don't believe that's arrogant."
The former Barcelona player has previously made statements such as "I will be God" and "I can't help but laugh at how perfect I am".
The jury's still out over whether or not these new remarks will convince anyone of his newfound humility.