PHOTO: Bildbyrån + ESPN
Bobi Klintman has written Swedish sports history.
The 21-year-old became only the fourth Swede to be selected in the NBA draft.
Now he opens up about his great role model – a powerful tribute to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Last week, Swedish basketball once again ended up in the fine room of sports and the big stage, the NBA. Not just one, but two Swedes were selected in this year’s NBA draft when Bobby Klintman finished 37th and Pelle Larsson was 44th.
Klintman to the NBA
For 21-year-old Klintman, it was really emotional when he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves but then immediately traded to the Detroit Pistons.
– It felt absolutely incredible! I was at a loss for words and just tried not to cry. It was great and to be able to share the joy with my family, he says at a press conference and talks about all the uproar that has been.
– It has been a busy time. It’s been a lot, I’ve talked to my agent and he’s talked to different teams about what I want to do. I ended up in Detroit and I’m very happy about it. I feel like I can come in and help them. It’s a young team with many talented players, so it should be exciting.
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The basketball talent has now been interviewed by American media and was then asked who is his great role model as an athlete. Klintman is from Malmö, so it may not come as a big surprise who he answers that question.
– Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he is a footballer from Malmö, says Bobi to ESPN.
Paying tribute to Zlatan
The Americans know very well who Zlatan Ibrahimovic is, after the Swedish world star’s two years in the United States when he played for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
– We know who it is. Have you ever met him?, asks a journalist.
– No, but I would like to talk to him. I would have loved it. We’ll see what happens in the next few days, Klintman replies.
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Bobi Klintman was also asked what he would do with his first NBA paycheck. Then the Swedish basketball talent revealed the finest gesture to his own mother.
– I will take care of my mother, buy her a house or an apartment. So that she can be near me all the time.
What do you think of this tribute to Zlatan? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Tomas Brolin admits what he really thinks about Swedish football today – and a clear fit for Zlatan
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