Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reiterated his stance that athletes should not get involved in politics following LeBron James' criticism of the AC Milan player.
The former Sweden international is not in favour of athletes speaking out about politics, but the Los Angeles Lakers star made clear that he will always express his opinion on such matters.
Ibrahimovic had a different opinion and did not hesitate to express it in a press conference at the San Remo Music Festival.
"Racism and politics are different things," said Ibrahimovic. "Athletes unite the world, politics divides it.
"Everyone is welcome in our environment, no matter where you come from and we do everything to bring people together.
"Our role is to unite the world by doing what we do best. We do not do other things because we are not good, otherwise I would be in politics.
"My message? Athletes should be athletes and politicians should be politicians."
His new remarks came after LeBron released a video where he recalled the occasions when Ibrahimovic spoke out about racism.
"He's the guy who said in Sweden he was talking about the same things, because his last name wasn't a [traditional Swedish] last name, he felt like there was some racism going on when he was out on the pitch," said LeBron a few days ago.
Reednivol
690
Most black brothers are attacking Ibrahimovic because he is not black and supporting Lebron because he is black but Zlatan is the one making sense here. Basketball is not for Democrats only and he wants to spoil the sport for upcoming stars because he will soon retire. Politics must not be mixed with sports . That’s why we have the Olympics . The idiots who are mauling Ibrahimovic must understand why FIFA bans national teams when there is any slight hint of political influence.
Chilex_x
476
Now I understand better. What ever lebron is supporting Whether it’s the Democrats or the republican don’t condemn anyone he should just keep emphasizing that the government should do better things that will benefit the citizens either democrats or republicans and not just support one government cos he has fans that are both democrats or republicans so if he supports one(like the Democrat) his republicans fans might start hating on him and he will start losing fan base and his sport won’t unite people like before. So that’s why ibra was saying that they should just focus on what they do the best and use it to unite the world. He shouldn’t say something the democrats wouldn’t like or the republicans wouldn’t like. He should just keep fighting for the right thing like the obviously right thing like THE BLACK LIVE MATTER or CHILD FOOD POVERTY rashford is fighting for, I don’t know if you guys understand. That’s what I think tho ..
Jesbeilotz
382
I must say there are some really smart guys in All football, I read all your comments even those that support Ibra and those that support LeBron. You guys are really making good points
Nodciknp
369
The question is how do you guys define politics? Politics affects everything thing we do on a daily basis and as far as I'm concerned there is plenty of politics in sport and I have no problem when players speak their mind as long as it is a fair and balanced. The problem we have is that human nature is at times 99% of the times unfair to the other party. We always tend to see our side as the correct race or the politically correct person and sadly I am hopeful but I hardly see much changing based on the type of leadership we have in countries all over this globe. As for Zlatan and Lebron they should stop chastising each and team up to do some good for the less fortunate persons all over. And they live in different countries so what affects one might not be affecting the other so they are both entitled to their opinions.
Phil_08
367
Am with Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Yuuabepy
322
politics is in everything we do in life, I wonder how many here could define the Poli---- Ticks, when you do, then you will adequately realize how that plays in everything we do. and Ibrahimovic is naive yet his cry in sweden defines it all, I wish he can categorically define Race from Politics, I think money makes people look stupid, he had played and acquired wealth and he's becoming stupidly notorious with controversies. lebron is american who talks on what's around him as black, and as black our project will always be talked about especially now, so Zlatan should shut up a little bit.
Velk__25
274
Lebron doesn't talk politics, he speaks about humanity.. He uses his voice to advocate against injustice, lack off opportunity, etc. As an iconic athlete, He uses his platform to highlight issues that affect many. It shows that he feels morally obligated to do something. It shows that he empathise with others and wishes to see things change. So being an athlete my friend, doesn't mean you should become less human and lose any moral guide. He is using his biggest weapon(his voice) to fight for equality in all facets. If Zlantan sits his pompous inconsiderate and condescending ass and do nothing, that's his choice...__ But respect to those who choose otherwise.
mponyels
253
am black and proud believe me just like the late great mugambe for as wrong as I use a white toilet paper I will never be ashamed of my skin color
jamrockballer
197
I may not have all the details about this Lebron/Zlatan rift but I see nothing wrong in Zlatan's comment. Sports should be free of political influence. The topic of Human rights has always been used by politicians as a tool to influence the masses . That is why so little has been achieved on its advancement by politicians. Bob Marley was approached to attend a political rally and align himself to a political party. There was an attempt on his life following his refusal. The image of him standing on the stage of a reggae concert days later, holding the hands of the leaders of the 2 political parties in the air to encourage peace and to show a lack of bias will forever be in the minds of Jamaicans. The fact that at the time his gunshot wounds from the attempt on his life were not yet healed is testament to his character. His legacy as a musician and human rights activist is phenomenal.
fizzbizzie
182
racism is one of the biggest tools used in politics and zlatan saying there is a difference between racism and politics only shows how ignorant he is and how he should had just shut his mouth of hypocrisy.. zlatan has used politics and racism all through his career and there is no bigger clout chaser than zlatan in football.. always creating unnecessary scenes and talks just to be in the news.. he has tried it against several footballers CR7, Lukaku to name a few.. LeBron fell for his bait...LeBron should just have ignored him like CR7 does
fizzbizzie
9
Most black brothers are attacking Ibrahimovic because he is not black and supporting Lebron because he is black but Zlatan is the one making sense here. Basketball is not for Democrats only and he wants to spoil the sport for upcoming stars because he will soon retire. Politics must not be mixed with sports . That’s why we have the Olympics . The idiots who are mauling Ibrahimovic must understand why FIFA bans national teams when there is any slight hint of political influence.
dude, you're the one creating divide here just as zlatan did... he had no reason whatsoever to reply LeBron...he LeBron has his right to his opinion and his opinion shouldn't be zlatans but zlatan an attention seeker as he always is created somethibg out of nothing