Malmo Ultras burn Zlatan Ibrahimovic statue after club legend buys stake in local rivals Hammarby
Posted Thursday, November 28, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk
MALMO Ultras have set fire to the club's statue of hero star Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he became co-owner of rivals Hammarby.
The superstar striker, 38, is aiming to make the Stockholm outfit Scandinavia's biggest team after buying a 50 per cent stake.
Malmo fans set fire to the stature of Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he decided to buy a stake in rivals Hammarby Credit: Instagram @blatteultras04
The giant statue was only installed by Malmo last month as a tribute to their former player Credit: EPA
But his decision has been met with fury by some Malmo fans who have been left devastated by his move to their bitter rivals.
A giant statue of the striker was only installed by the club last month, but it has become the target of their anger.
Crowds gathered around to watch as several furious supporters poured lighter fluid and on it and used flares to set it alight.
After announcing his new venture, Ibrahimovic insisted that Malmo fans would be happy for him.
He said: "This has nothing to do with MFF. When it comes to the club, we talk about the footballer Zlatan. I think they in Malmo respect this.
"I have a good relationship with MFF and have had it all year. But this has nothing to do with me as a football player. I think those in Malmo are happy for me."
But vice chairman of supporter group MFF Support Kaveh Hosseinpour thinks otherwise.
He told Fotbollskanalen: "Of the reactions I have sent to me so far, I have not heard anyone who thinks this is good.
"Everyone is extremely critical. Some are disappointed, some are angry and some think it is idiotic.
"He has probably lost his grip on what he means to Malmo. He misunderstands his position a little when he says that Malmo will be happy for his sake.
"There is no one in Malmo who runs around in an LA Galaxy shirt and plays with Ibrahimovic on his back."
On the statue Malmo dedicated to their former idol, Hosseinpour added: "That statue will no longer matter now, considering where it stands and what he does now.
"He actively wants another club to be better than the club that made him what he is."
Former Manchester United star Ibrahimovic bid farewell to LA Galaxy at the end of the MLS season and has been linked with a return to Europe on the field.
He is still keen to play football and confirmed it would not be for a Swedish team.
The veteran hitman, who left Malmo for Ajax in 2001, claims he can use his contacts to help top-flight side Hammarby dominate Scandinavia - and will try to promote youth to achieve his goal.
Ibrahimovic has taken up a stake in Stockholm side Hammarby to the fury of fans of Malmo Credit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovic
He explained: "I will contribute my experience after everything I've gone through. With my unlimited network. Whatever is needed, really.
"I want Hammarby to have the best youth academy in Sweden. Hammarby should get the best talents and nurture the best talents.
"I have resources that can help and a network that opens up what is needed to be able to have the best academy."
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