27.07.2009 22:09
Ibrahimovic: "There are big clubs, but none quite this special"
Anna Segura
With a beaming smile on his face, Zlatan Ibrahimovic attended to the press in Sala París at the Camp Nou. The new Barça man knows he has signed for a very special club indeed.
Sala París was the venue for the unveiling to the media of the latest addition to Josep
Guardiola’s roster, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Packed to the rafters, it witnessed the first words
of the new FC Barcelona star just minutes after he had finally signed his contract.
Worth the wait
The doors to Sala París opened at 20.00, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic entering the room in the
company of president Joan Laporta, vice president for sport, Rafael Yuste, and director of football
Txiki Begiristain. It all started somewhat later than expected, but the cameras were soon flashing
once the man of the moment made his appearance.
Kissing the crest
After being pictured holding the Barça shirt with his new number nine
on the back, along with his name, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (with an accent on the c) he kissed the FC
Barcelona crest, a gesture that naturally provoked applause among the pressmen in the room.
'Ibra': a very happy man
Following a long and complex serious of negotiations, Zlatan Ibrahimovic said he was
delighted to finally be on the Barça books: "I am the happiest man in this room right now" he said.
The Swede is aware that his move to FCB is a big step forward in his career, saying that
“There are big clubs, but none quite this special.”
First contact with Guardiola
Although he has yet to meet him personally, Ibrahimovic said he has
made telephone contact with Josep Guardiola. He said they had spoken of many things, but was
particularly impressed at the way his new manager "wants me to be happy ".
Staying competitive
President Joan Laporta said he has wanted Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his squad for some time. He
then welcomed his new signing, describing him as “non-conformist, and ambitious to win. He
had the desire to come to Barça". Laporta also said that with this new arrival "we aim to continue
winning and to remain as competitive as we have been up to now. And I think that will be possible
now he has joined us ".
First option
Director of football Txiki Begiristain said that once they had decided
it was time for Samuel Eto'o to go, "the first option was Zlatan". Speaking about the Swede’s
footballing qualities, Txiki is particularly impressed by the way he can shoulder the
responsibility of being the main target man, especially with his height of 1.95 metres, and his
ability to bring high balls down to feet. “He has quality skills. He is a player who fights,
who takes his position and can hold on to the ball ".