In an interview with Expressen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic directed strong criticism of Sweden's federation captain Janne Andersson. Among other things, Ibrahimovic (incorrectly) stated that Andersson in his first national team squad did not pick any players with non-Swedish background.
- Then he got the question about it. Then he moaned. The second collection he brought players with different backgrounds for it to be politically correct, Ibrahimovic said, among others, accusing the national team of being sect-like.
"It's a sect, and that sect stays on all the time, although there are better players out there," he said.
"Very boring"Janne Andersson met today for the first time since the interview media, and then expressed her feelings about the event.
- When it came, I felt ... That in 2019 we need to talk about stuff that means where people come from, that it will be a question about the national team, I think is very boring. I myself have values and a view where I do not look at it. I get sad and disappointed that I get it from a former national team player - and on the wrong grounds besides, it made me sad and hurt a little because I, as a person and a leader, try to live as I learn, says Andersson, and continues:
- It's sad, and when it came Tuesday, I was sad and disappointed.
"Not so sympathetic"Andersson also said that he has received a lot of reactions from people close to him.
- Friends, family, former workmates and so on. They do not think it is so sympathetic, so I can say, he said, explaining that he feels great support from the federation and the national team.
- From day one, I have generally felt good support. I had a chat with Håkan (Secretary General Sjöstrand) directly, just as in other contexts. Then it was nothing more to me. I have the support I need.