AC Millan and Sweden star Zlatan insist blowing Cesar Azpilicueta at the back with his shoulder may have been a bad decision, but would not change it.
In the ending scenes of Sweden’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup qualifier, which meant they would have to go through the play-offs to reach the 2022 World Cup, Ibrahimovic steamed into Azpilicueta and sent him jogging to the ground.
According to Ibrahimovic, he needed to stand up for a team-mate and teach the Chelsea defender a discourse. It is not a decision he would repair if he had his time again.
“The other day in the national team, I gave a tackle to [Azpilicueta]. I did it on purpose. I’m not ashamed to say it because he did something stupid to my player. Acting big to my player,” Ibrahimovic told The Guardian.
“It was a stupid thing but I would still do it to make him understand: ‘You don’t f****** do that. You don’t have the balls to do it against me. But I will show you what happens if you do it to me.’ That’s why I did it.
“It’s not about missing the playoffs. It’s about making the guy understand you don’t take the p*** out of somebody laying [on the ground]. You don’t attack a dog that doesn’t talk. Attack the one able to do something. It’s too easy to pick on my teammates who are 20 years old and very nice guys. I hope he understands now.
“I’m not afraid to say it to you. I did a stupid thing. [But] I will do it again. 100 percent.
Ibrahimovic received a yellow card on the reckless tackle on the Chelsea and Spain star Azpilicueta which means the Swedish talisman will miss the playoffs stage due to suspensions.