Renowned football agent Mino Raiola’s remarks displayed clear arrogance as he claimed that the French league was worth nothing without his client Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swedish legend joined Paris Saint-Germain from Milan in 2012 in a deal costing the club’s Qatari owners around €20 million. He has since achieved enormous success, notably winning Ligue 1 three times and entering the club’s history by breaking former all-time leading scorer Pedro Pauleta’s record.
The 34-year-old now faces the prospect of leaving the Parc des Princes as the club’s management has not opened talks to renew his contract, which expires in summer 2016. Nevertheless, Raiola claims it was his client who put PSG on the global football map, rather than the other stars Nasser al-Khelaifi has signed since taking control of the club.
Raiola told RMC: “The French league is worth nothing without Zlatan. PSG gave French football a gift by signing Zlatan. When he chose Paris, it was a difficult choice. Everyone is now talking about Messi and Ronaldo, but they have forgotten that Zlatan put Paris on the world football map.”
He continued his exaggeration: “PSG without Zlatan is like Formula One without Ferrari, or champagne without bubbles. What I want to say is that Zlatan will surprise everyone in the coming months. He is a champion and always wants to be at the top.”