Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has revealed his admiration of Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has told Sky Bet’s Facebook page that he grew up admiring Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic – and still does.
Jansson, 25, has become an Elland Road hero since joining on loan from Italian side Torino back in August, with his passionate performances and dominant displays catching the eye.
The Swede has been a major factor in Leeds’ impressive start to the Championship season, and he was given the night off as the Whites beat Norwich City on penalties in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
Blackburn’s Danny Graham in action with Leeds’ Pontus Jansson
Jansson will be back in the frame this weekend as Leeds take on Burton Albion, and ahead of the game, he’s been speaking to Sky Bet’s Facebook page about a whole host of matters regarding his career.
The 6ft 5in defender was specifically asked about his relationship with Manchester United striker and international team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, given the rivalry between Leeds and the Red Devils.
Jansson revealed that, as a boyhood Malmo fan, he grew up admiring Ibrahimovic and even started his career as a striker as a result, admitting that continues to look up to the 35-year-old hitman.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Jansson added that his career changed after he faced then-AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic during his time at Malmo, as he dominated the world-renowned attacker, making himself believe that he can overpower any striker around.
Finally, the defender suggested he may have been keen to face Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter finals rather than Liverpool, in order to battle Ibrahimovic again – but noted that the United star may be looking for revenge on him.
Pontus Jansson in action against Zlatan Ibrahimovic
“I always liked Zlatan, because when I was young, I played as a striker like him,” said Jansson. “I was tall and good with the ball, and a little crazy in the head like him! Of course, he was playing with Malmo when I was in the stands watching the club, so of course everybody loves Zlatan, especially the people from Malmo, and I am one of them, so I always look up to Zlatan.”
“I think that, with my career, everything changed for me at that moment. We had a tackle in a 50-50 situation, I give everything I had and I think he also did, and he was falling to the ground whilst I was standing up. So after that, everything changed for me; if I can do that on Zlatan, I can do it on anybody.”
“It would be good to have another game against Zlatan, but maybe not – because the last game we played, he was falling and I was standing, so I think maybe he’ll want his revenge!” he added.
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