Hazard pays tribute to Ibrahimovic
Hazard who was named the Red Devils’ captain following the withdrawal of Vincent Kompany to injury was on hand to help his side secure a hard fought 1-0 win over Ibrahimovic and his troops to finsih second on group E table.
Speaking to UEFA.com after the game, the Belgium skipper was full of praise for the 34-year old Ibrahimovic who before Wednesday tie had announced his retirement from international football.
“Zlatan Ibrahimović has done a lot of great things in his career and would have wanted to go further here. Our objective was to qualify, but unfortunately he is now eliminated. He will remain a great player and still has a lot to offer at club level.
“It was a difficult match, complicated for our defenders. In the first half we had some possession and created chances. Nainggolan scored an important goal and from then on we had to manage the game.” Hazard stated.
Sweden coach Erik Hamren in his tribute said: “I hoped Zlatan would have had a better finish. The same goes for [Andreas] Isaksson and [Kim] Källström, who have been very good for a long time and who are also ending their Sweden careers.
“Unearthing a new Zlatan? No, he is special, he is unique. I don’t think that in a small country like Sweden you will find another player like him.” Hamren told UEFA.com
The former Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan striker who has been linked with a move to Manchester United since ending his four years spell at Paris St-Germain scored 62 goals in 116 games for Sweden.
But he failed to net at this year’s Euros as Sweden failed to win any of their three Group E games in France, drawing 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland and losing to both Italy and Belgium.
Post a Comment