Zlatan’s first football coach Istvan Baka, 83, remembers Zlatan as a seven-year-old. Even then he was cocky on the field.
– The whole time it was about winning, doing everything to win. He was cocky too, says Istvan Baka.
What would become Sweden’s best player of all time started in Malmö BI as a seven-year-old in 1988. His coach Istvan Baka says he stood out even then.
– All the other children went home but he stayed there and hit the ball. He could hit the ball like no other.
Like Pelé – but not a team player
Istvan Baka is now 83 years old, but clearly remembers the boy 35 years ago who could hit a proper free kick.
– I remember a free kick from 12-13 meters. He did like the greats, Pelé and such. He hit the ball in the crossbar when he was seven years old, and I was amazed. All the time it was winning.
Zlatan, 7, was very active on the pitch.
– When we played matches, he fought front and back, he could play any position. He always wanted the ball, but it is not possible in a team to play just one person, says Istvan Baka and laughs.
I think it was the right time to stop
On Sunday, Zlatan was thanked in connection with Milan’s match.
– I think it’s right, says the coach about Zlatan’s decision to end his career, and continues:
– It is best to stop when you are almost at the top.