lesson
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta following their scuffle during the international break
The veteran AC Milan striker planted a firm shoulder in the back of the defender earlier this month, as Spain sealed a 1-0 victory over Sweden to book their place at the World Cup in Qatar next year.
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Azpilicueta was left in a heap on the ground and the veteran striker was booked off camera in stoppage-time following the incident.
The former Manchester United striker's barge on the Chelsea star was described as 'dangerous', although Azpilicueta confirmed after the game that he was fine.
It was a costly move for Ibrahimovic, though, as his yellow card meant he is suspended for Sweden's crucial World Cup play-off.
The 40-year-old has now revealed why he violently confronted the Spaniard, claiming Azpilicueta made a comment to one of his teammates earlier in the match.
And Ibrahimovic showed no remorse for doing so.
He told the Guardian: “The other day in the national team, I gave a tackle to [Spain’s 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 f****** do that. You don’t have 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.”
“What can he say?" he added.
"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 by me, but I would still do it. That’s me. I’m not ashamed to say it.”
Zlatan, who is remarkably still going strong for club and country despite reaching his forties, will now miss Sweden's play-off semi-final tie in March 2022 with a suspension.
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The Milan striker, however, is seemingly unbothered by his one-match ban, insisting he confronted the Chelsea man to teach him a lesson.
He claimed: “It’s not about missing the play-offs. 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.”
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