Ibra Wants To Copy His Juventus Mentors

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is relishing the opportunity to mentor Manchester United’s youngsters, 12 years after entering a Juventus dressing room that was littered with big names.

Jose Mourinho said earlier this month that the Swedish striker is “like a magnet” in the Aon Training Complex canteen, where the players have flocked around their iconic team-mate at meal times.

Ibrahimovic scored twice during Friday night’s Premier League victory over Southampton and, speaking to ManUtd.com and the Manchester Evening News at Old Trafford, the 34-year-old striker discussed his appreciation for being an elder statesman and how that contrasts with his public image.

“I have my responsibility,” Zlatan explained. “The coach gives me a lot of responsibility and I take it. I am just myself. I am trying to help all the other ones. The picture for me, outside of the pitch and in the media, is that people judge me before they know me. They write – but that doesn’t bother me. 

“It goes in one ear and goes out the other one. It is important what the guys [at United] think about me, that is the most important thing. If I can help then I will help, and I can help even more.”

To emphasise his point, Ibrahimovic looked back to when he joined Juventus from Ajax in 2004 to take his place in a dressing room that included some of the biggest names in world football.

“I played with many big stars,” United’s new and in-form number nine continued. “I mean when I came to Juventus I was a young guy. I had Vieira, Cannavaro, Thuram, Buffon, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Nedved, Camoranesi, Emmerson. It was a monster team, there were so many. The mentality came from that. The more mature you become - I have two kids now - you take on more responsibility.”

Zlatan has now scored four goals in three competitive games for United after netting a brace against Southampton, with the second effort coming from the penalty spot in the second half. That was notable because Wayne Rooney has been the Reds’ regular spot-kick taker in recent years.

Ibra admitted he had talked to his captain about who would shoot from 12 yards. “We spoke like two weeks ago about it so there was no confusion,” he said. “It was decided long before, it wasn’t on the pitch.”

Three points were more important than Zlatan's two goals - as the big man pointed out - and he was pleased with United’s general performance against Saints on Friday night. 

“The team did well and I think we can do much, much more. But it is the second game in the Premier League and basically a lot of things are new. We have a new coach, new staff, some new players. 

“It is like a puzzle - we need to put the puzzle together and then make it work. Two games so far and two wins, so we have six points and we will keep working hard. I think the outcome will be good.”