Zlatan Ibrahimovic ended his first World Cup as a television analyst in typically uncompromising fashion, criticising both Leandro Paredes and Spain’s response to the ugly scenes that followed the final.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. According to the official Fox Sports match report, Argentina failed to record a shot on target as Spain secured their second World Cup title.
Zlatan tears into Paredes
The final was overshadowed by a confrontation after the whistle. According to Matt Hughes of The Guardian, Paredes appeared to grab Eric García by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground. He was subsequently shown a red card, while FIFA opened an investigation into the post-match incidents.
Ibrahimovic had little sympathy for the Argentina midfielder.
According to Enrique Corbella of MARCA, the former Sweden striker said: “Paredes can be glad there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It was unprofessional behaviour from him.”
Ibrahimovic was also unimpressed by the reaction of Spain’s players.
“I don’t know what the Spanish players were doing. They simply watched another player hit their teammate,” he said.
Spain earn Zlatan’s approval
Although critical of Spain’s response to the confrontation, Ibrahimovic was full of praise for their football.
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“Football won today,” he said. “The way Spain play football and the way they played throughout this tournament — when you watch football, this is what you want to see.”
The Swede also reminded his colleagues that he had backed Spain before the competition began.
“You asked me before the tournament, and I said Spain would win. When I say things, they happen,” Ibrahimovic added.
A sudden farewell to television
Ibrahimovic then brought his six-week spell with Fox to an unexpected close. Rather than confirming a formal retirement from broadcasting, he appeared to rule out another studio role after describing the tournament as both his first and last television assignment.
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As transcribed by Manny Soloway of Awful Announcing, Ibrahimovic told his colleagues: “You made it easy for me. I hope, America, you enjoyed it as much as I did, and this is also my farewell to the studio.”
When presenter Rebecca Lowe asked whether he really meant it, Ibrahimovic replied: “This was the first and last time for me, so take care, everybody.”
Whether the farewell proves permanent remains to be seen. For now, Ibrahimovic has left television in much the same way he entered it: on his own terms and with everyone talking.
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