Vandals launch new attack on Zlatan Ibrahimovic statue - by trying to saw off feet

Posted Saturday, December 14, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's statue outside Malmo's stadium in Sweden has been targeted by furious fans since he bought a stake in arch-rivals Hammarby last month

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s statue outside Malmo FF’s stadium in Sweden has once again been targeted by vandals, who this time have attempted to saw off its feet.

According to the BBC, police have even been forced to erect a fence around the sculpture after the latest attack it has been subjected to.

Furious supporters are targeting the statue following Ibrahimovic’s controversial decision to acquire a stake in Malmo’s arch-rivals Hammarby last month.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, Paris St-Germain and Manchester United striker has taken a near 25 per cent stake in the Stockholm outfit, sparking rage amongst the Malmo faithful.

Ibrahimovic started his career at Malmo, scoring 18 goals in 47 appearances for the club before leaving for Ajax in 2001.

They decided to set the the 3.5-metre carving on fire, all but confirming Ibrahimovic’s legendary status at the club has been sullied.

Vandals launch new attack on Zlatan Ibrahimovic statue - by trying to saw off feet
Incensed Malmo fans set fire to the statue last month (Image: Getty)

Now Malmo fans have launched a new attack on the statue by sawing at its feet, prompting police to erect the fence.

A Malmo police spokeswoman told the BBC that vandals had also placed a rope around the neck of Ibrahimovic’s statue.

"There is a risk now it could fall and we have placed a fence around it,” the spokeswoman added.

Ibrahimovic is still on the hunt for a new club after departing LA Galaxy last month.

The 38-year-old has recently been linked with a move to Everton, with Area Napoli claiming the Toffees have approached Mino Raiola.

They are said to be keen on adding Ibrahimovic to Duncan Ferguson’s ranks on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Vandals launch new attack on Zlatan Ibrahimovic statue - by trying to saw off feet
Ibrahimovic is still looking for a new club after leaving LA Galaxy (Image: PA)

Serve A outfits Napoli and Bologna are also said to be interested in the player, who is looking to seal a return to European football having spent a year-and-a-half in the MLS.

According to super-agent Raiola, though, Ibrahimovic’s future is still yet to be decided.

"It’s not been said that he will necessarily return to Italy,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Which of the three interested clubs will he choose? Who knows, we’re all free men.

"Could he retire? I’m not going to exclude anything but it is very unlikely. Ibra is still very well.”

Ibrahimovic has already racked up 219 Serie A appearances in brief spells with Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan - who have also been linked with a move for their former striker - scoring 122 goals.