Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan claims Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea has “no balls”

AC Milan striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed that Chelsea defender, Cesar Azpilicueta did not have “balls” which was why he attacked a player that was too nice to react.

In an interview with Guardian recently, Zlatan Ibrahimovic recalled an incident that happened during a FIFA World Cup qualification match between Spain and Sweden on November 14, 2021.

According to the 40-year-old veteran Swedish football icon who featured in the qualification match that ended 1-0 in favor of Spain, Azpilicueta did “something stupid” to his teammate during the game.

But Azpilicueta’s victim did not react against the Spain international. Hence, Zlatan Ibrahimovic decided to take the laws into his hands by attacking Azpilicueta.

The center referee showed Ibrahimovic a yellow card for a shoulder charge on Azpilicueta which would force him to miss the first leg of the FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs in March.

Ibrahimovic said: “The other day in the national team, I gave a tackle to [Azpilicueta]. I did it on purpose. I’m not ashamed to say it because he did something stupid to my player.

“Acting big to my player. It was a stupid thing but I would still do it to make him understand: ‘You don’t fucking do that. You don’t have the balls to do it against me. But I will show you what happens if you do it to me.’

“That’s why I did it.”

🎙️ Zlatan #Ibrahimovic to #TheGuardian: "The other day in the national team, I made a tackle on #Azpilicueta. I did it on purpose. I'm not ashamed to say it because he did something stupid to my teammate."pic.twitter.com/3OosU3Jwxc

— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) November 23, 2021

When the former Manchester United and FC Barcelona striker was asked what the Chelsea defender said to him after the shoulder charge, Ibrahimovic said “What can he say?”

“He will not say it to me but he will say it to my player – who will do nothing because he’s too nice. It was not a good thing for me, but I would still do it. That’s me. I’m not ashamed to say it.”

Even though the yellow card
Zlatan Ibrahimovic received for the charge on Azpilicueta will make him miss the first-leg of Sweden’s play-off, the football veteran seemed to care less about the consequences of his action.

The 40-year-old striker stressed that he was happy that he was able to pass his message to the Spanish defender.

“It’s not about missing the playoffs”, he said. “It’s about making the guy understand you don’t take the piss out of somebody laying [on the ground].

“You don’t attack a dog that doesn’t talk. Attack the one able to do something.

“It’s too easy to pick on my teammates who are 20 years old and very nice guys. I hope he understands now.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been playing for Sweden’s national team since January 31, 2001. Since then, he has made 120 appearances for the national team and has scored 62 goals.

His contract with AC Milan will expire on June 30, 2022. However, there are reports that the Italian Serie A club might extend his stay at the club for another one year before his current contract expires.