”I am my own person and player, and I want to write my own story,” says Ibrahimović junior, once he has settled comfortably into the stadium of his club. “I feel good. I’m excited.”
History
The nineteen-year-old ‘Ibra’ cannot escape the club’s history. A quarter of a century earlier, it was his father Zlatan who made his name as an Ajax player. After twenty years, there is once again an Ibrahimović wearing the Ajax shirt – even if, for now, only for the next six months, during which he is on loan. ”Nice that my father also played for Ajax. I am happy that I get the opportunity to continue developing myself here as well.” Yet for Maxi, it does not really feel like he is following in his father’s footsteps. ”I am here to do my own thing. And I am really looking forward to that.”
Naturally, Zlatan advised his son about the next step in his development. ”He said Ajax is a great club and Amsterdam is a great city. The fans are nice, and the league is good. Only good things. I think my father is happy for me.” Then, confidently: ”Ibrahimović is just a name. I am Maximilian. We are both very different.”
‘I love the Ajax philosophy’
Maximilian Ibrahimović then speaks warmly about the club where he hopes to shine in the second half of the season. ”I love the Ajax philosophy, the attacking way of playing. I think that suits me very well. I am very fast, and I like to dribble. And I love attacking. This step is a great challenge. I will work extremely hard every day. Then we will see what happens. I want to be a good player for Ajax. To win and to improve. I work hard, and I like to win. I think I can entertain the fans well. I think they will enjoy seeing me.”
