13 years ago, Arsenal had a 20 year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the building, kitted out in the Gunners jersey. The Swedish starlets signature looked but a formality, only for the talented centre-forward to baulk at the clubs request that he undertake a trial first before signing.
''I went to Arsenals training facility near St. Alans. The really awesome thing was that I was going to meet Arsene Wenger. I felt like a little boy when we stepped into his office. I just sat in silence and was bashful, but after a while I lost my patience. You can have a trial with us he said. No matter how much I wanted to behave, those words set me off. Having a trial puts you in a weak position, so we said no: Were sorry, Mr Wenger, but we are not interested. Im sure it was the right decision, though. - Zlatan Ibrahimovic, September 2013.
It certainly seems like a wise choice now, with Zlatan winning ten league titles in eleven seasons, spanning six high-profile clubs. He has a medal collection that would make even the most seasoned sportsmans eyes water, and a myriad of individual awards. The 33 year old Swedish centre-forward is one of the most successful footballers in world football, and judging by his track record, he certainly has a knack for choosing the right destination. It will most certainly have been Wenger, and not Zlatan, who will have had sleepless nights about that near-trial 13 years ago.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
