Zlatan Ibrahimovic is joining the American sports scene at an exciting time. He is one of the biggest superstars in all of soccer and although he may be on a downward slope, his skill is still top flight.
In anticipation of his move to the Los Angeles Galaxy, he decided to take out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times. It reads as maybe the cockiest statement in American sports.
“Dear Los Angeles,
You’re Welcome.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken out a full page advert in the @latimes announcing his arrival at LA Galaxy. Classic Zlatan. pic.twitter.com/TeFXM2De7e
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) March 23, 2018
It is a simple yet powerful statement. It lets everyone feel his presence while also garnering national attention. Not since David Beckham came to the MLS has a signing been this big. While multiple other great players have joined the MLS as of late and the league’s reputation has improved, this still stops the presses.
It will be interesting to see how he does in stadiums that play exclusively on turf and whether or not his body will keep up. Nonetheless, it is an experiment worth exploring.
Every athlete from the NHL to professional swimming should take note. Sports are entertainment more than anything, and no one seems to be taking note. MLS is being discussed because of the star power of Ibrahimovic and his brash nature. Other sports have that star power, why not lean into it?
The Galaxy sure as hell will have a fun product on their hands for the foreseeable future.
