Zlatan Ibrahimovic: I am not arrogant, just supremely self confident

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says that accusations of arrogance against him are unfair and that his grand proclamations are merely expressions of supreme self confidence.

The Swedish striker, who is in line to make his Premier League debut for United at Bournemouth on Sunday, is renowned for talking himself up and being dismissive of his opponents – but usually with a good dose of humour.

But the 34-year-old says that is merely a reflection of the drive that has enabled him to win league titles in four different countries and amass a huge haul of personal honours. “I don’t believe I’m arrogant in the way that people think”, he said in an interview with Sky Sports which was broadcast on Friday. “I’m confident. I believe in myself. That’s not being arrogant. That’s something I believe is an individual strength in the human being”.

He went on to add: “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?’ I’m a family guy. I’m taking care of my family, but when I come on the pitch I’m a lion. That’s the big difference”.