Serie A legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has called out Spain’s players for their lack of response to Leandro Paredes’ World Cup head-loss.
The Boca Juniors midfielder flew off the handle after a 1-0 World Cup final defeat, kicking and throttling Eric Garcia before trying to punch Gavi.
Gavi has since defended Paredes, saying he doesn’t deserve retrospective punishment, and Ibrahimovic appears to agree.
In fact, he thinks things should’ve been settled on the pitch.
Ibrahimovic says he would’ve headbutted Paredes
Speaking after the incident, he said: “He can be glad there weren’t any players like me on the pitch.
“If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off as well.
“That’s extremely unprofessional of him.”
But he then added: “I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing, they’re just watching as another player beats up a teammate.”
The big Swede gave a similar response last time a South American side roughed up a European one.
France were kicked around by Paraguay in the round of 16, but won, keeping their temperament before a full-time outburst.
Post-match Ibrahimovic admitted he couldn’t have kept such composure.
Ibrahimovic says he would’ve sent Paraguay players to the hospital
“It was a different challenge for France,” he said.
“It was more about not letting themselves be provoked, keeping calm, not losing their composure, not falling into the Paraguayan traps.
“France showed calm. They were relaxed, they did what they had to do. They responded with a smile, that’s the best response.
“You score goals, you win the game, you go to your fans and celebrate… that’s the best way to respond.
“I would surely have received four red cards in this game. And maybe I would have sent someone to hospital…
“I like to play the game seriously. I don’t like it when someone tries to provoke, but that’s part of the game.”
Ibrahimovic has also come in for criticism during the tournament where he’s been working as a pundit for Fox Sports.
He’s also a senior advisor for former side AC Milan who have a power vacuum at the top of the club.
Fans have vented their fury, and Ibrahimovic suggested he’s now going straight back to work.
“I’ve been talking a lot for the last month and a half – and these will be my last words,” the 44-year-old announced after the final.
“This is my farewell to the studio. This was the first and last time for me.
“It was a great pleasure to share the studio with you. You have to stop when you’re at the top.”
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