Never one to be afraid of a little self-promotion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a warning to Martin O’Neill’s men ahead of today’s Group E fixture in Paris – “the legend can still deliver”.
The Swedish talisman, scorer of 11 goals in their qualifying campaign, represents the biggest threat to the Irish defence and this is a fact that Zlatan seems to be very aware of.
Speaking at a press conference in Paris yesterday the striker, now 34 years old, feels that not only is father time not affecting his game – he feels he’s actually improving with age.
I feel I am getting better and better with every years that passes. I have been dominating wherever I go. I have no issues about that. I am very confident. I go into the tournament with a strong season behind me and I am here in France, where I have been living for the last few years, to enjoy.
Zlatan, who is widely tipped to be among Jose Mourinho’s new recruits at Old Trafford next season, plundered a frightening 50 goals in 51 matches playing in the French capital last season though, perhaps crucially, he has never found the back of the net against Ireland in his international career.
Not that this omen could possibly phase him, however.
What I do every day is play football. You have to have the hunger to become a better player, to learn new things and work hard on the pitch. If you want it, you are able to do it. I know what I want and I know I am going to do it – the legend can still deliver.
You're damn right he can Zlatan. So, with that in mind, it's over to you John O'Shea.
