World Football Quotes of the Week: Zlatan and LeBron James Comments Star
In the fallout of the World Cup playoffs, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was clearly not impressed by the exclusion of his Swedish side. The Paris Saint-Germain striker had some bitter words about the whole affair.
On top of that, the notion of a Miami club franchise launch, Joachim Low's latest German starlet of intrigue and Sandro's new nationality all feature in this edition of the World Football Quotes of the Week, along with more.
Read on for all the most quotable soundbites from the last seven days.
1. Oscar: "I Was Very Close to Signing with Real Madrid"
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Since arriving at Chelsea in 2012, Oscar has quickly became a Stamford Bridge sensation, establishing himself as a favourite among West London masses.
However, the Brazilian international recently revealed that he may well have found himself giving another European giant a hand were it not for a twist of fate.
According to Globoesporte (h/t the Daily Star's David Wright), Oscar was very close to becoming a Madridista, saying:
"A month before signing for Chelsea I was very close to doing so with Real Madrid as Mourinho said he wanted me. They came to watch me in the game against Denmark.
Before the games there were talks with Madrid, but they had the playmaker position well covered. After the games, I signed for Chelsea.
Upon his arrival at Chelsea, Mourinho spoke to me. He gives me confidence and I'm trying to return all such support on the pitch.
"
The South American is of course correct in his assessment that Real are very well stocked in his position, but the mind certainly wanders as to what Oscar might have hauled in had he opted for a Bernabeu transfer.
2. Sandro: "I'm British Now!"
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Speaking with the Daily Mail's Laura Williamson prior to his side's encounter with Manchester City this weekend, Tottenham midfielder Sandro spoke of affairs both personal and professional, but also revealed he's secretly swapped nationalities.
Okay, not really, but the Brazilian international is nonetheless very pleased to be living in the English capital and noted:
"I feel part of London now. I live closer to the centre and I can go to the restaurants in the centre more now. I’m British now!
A lot of new players have to feel at home to play their best. It’s hard to learn English, but you have to open your mind to learn because it’s for your whole life, you know? It’s nice the manager speaks Portuguese. I can tell him more about what I feel, even during the games.
"
Not all of what Sandro had to say was for the positive, however, as he outlined exactly what Spurs needed to overcome Manchester City on Sunday: a bullish attitude and the belief that his side can challenge for Premier League silverware.
Tottenham lost 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
3. Joachim Low on Arsenal's Serge Gnabry: "We Have an Eye on Him"
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Arsenal fans worldwide have been taking note of Serge Gnabry's first, tentative steps in the Premier League this season, and it's apparently something that even the German national coach has picked up on.
Joachim Low revealed that the Gunners starlet could still have time to make the move into his squad ahead of next summer's World Cup.
According to Ben Jefferson of the Express, Low says: "The boy is really good. He has exceptional qualities. I'm still open [to him making the World Cup squad]. We have an eye on him."
Arsene Wenger would certainly appear to think so and there may yet be a spot on the plane for one who's completely untested on the senior international stage.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic: "The World Cup's Not Worth Watching Without Me"
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Ibrahimovic often makes an appearance on the Quotes of the Week, and this time it's for comments made in the wake of Sweden's World Cup exit at the hands of Portugal.
Last week, in a match that was being billed as a head-to-head between Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the latter who came out on top.
But of course, the Paris Saint-Germain talisman will always find some way to court attention and responded by posting on his social media site, Zlatan Unplugged, per Sky Sports, saying:
"It was probably the last attempt to reach the World Cup with the national team for me. One thing is for sure, a World Cup without me is nothing to watch so it is not worthwhile to wait for the World Cup.
Congratulations to Portugal but both teams deserved to get to the World Cup.
"
It will undoubtedly be a shame that one of the best players in the world will have no choice other than to watch the Brazil event from off the pitch, but at least he's taking the blow well.
5. Santi Cazorla: "I Was Like a Little Kid When Ozil Signed"
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Countless Arsenal fans of all ages will have reacted to the signing of Mesut Ozil in the same way, over the moon that their club had finally pulled out the chequebook to bring in a true world talent.
However, that reaction wasn't limited to spectators it seems, and even Santi Cazorla admitted to filling with excitement upon hearing the transfer was official.
The Daily Mail's Pete Jenson reports that the Spaniard reverted to a child-like state, adding:
"Then one day the manager said to us, “We’ve signed Mesut, he’s going for his medical." I was like a little kid. I knew that a great player was coming and that because of the way he plays, he was going to be a perfect fit for us.
"
You think, “How are Madrid going to let Mesut get away?” He’s one of the best players in the world and the truth is you don’t really believe it.
Even at the age of 28, it's nice to hear that stars like Cazorla aren't immune to the effects of such a massive move taking grip of their emotions.
Who said playing it cool ever paid off?
6. LeBron James: "I Think It Would Be Great for Miami to Have a Football Club'
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The idea of a Miami football franchise being added to Major League Soccer is something that's been toyed with for a while now, but it seems that the right combination of money, power and star potential is making it a reality.
Speaking on his and David Beckham's relationship as well as the hand he might have in a Miami-based club, LeBron James was reported by Sky News as saying earlier this week:
"There's some interest on both sides. David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years and I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure.
The research is still being made out, but I think it can be huge, but you never know. I think this is a great town for soccer. There are a lot of soccer players here. There is a lot of great youth soccer here.
I have grown a great interest in watching the game and learning the guys.
It's a pretty intense sport, and my kids love it as well. But I've grown to the point where I know exactly what's going on when I'm watching the game.
"
Of course, we'll be the judges of just whether or not that's the case should an examination ever come about, but to hear the Miami Heat star speaking so honestly on the matter is a relief.
With that being the case, it seems only a matter of time until the franchise becomes material, based on what James has to say.
