Striker Liverpool released for free claims he actually has more quality than Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is widely regarded as one of the most talented strikers of his generation, but an ex-Liverpool star believes he has more quality than him.

Ibrahimovic retired in 2023, shortly after breaking a record to become the oldest goalscorer in Serie A at 41 years and 166 days, ending his iconic career.

He played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, from AC Milan and Juventus to Manchester United and Barcelona, and he regularly won trophies throughout his career.

Meanwhile, at an international level, Ibrahimovic retired as Sweden’s all-time goalscorer, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.

Mario Balotelli believes he was ‘stronger’ than Zlatan Ibrahimovic in terms of quality

Ibrahimovic might have built a legendary career in football, but Mario Balotelli believes that he offered more quality on the pitch.

The former Liverpool and Manchester City striker gave his opinion to La Gazzetta dello Sport, and he didn’t hold back.

“He was a pain in the neck if he cared about you – if not, he wouldn’t say anything. But that was his way of showing affection,” Balotelli said.

“In my opinion, he was stronger than me mentally, and I was stronger than him in terms of quality.”

Balotelli is currently a free agent after being released by Genoa at the end of last season, but he is still widely remembered among Premier League fans for his failed Liverpool run.

The Italian forward only scored four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds, and was ultimately allowed to leave for free after being deemed surplus to requirements by Jurgen Klopp.

How do Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli compare?

Balotelli and Ibrahimovic are two strikers who certainly don’t struggle with self-confidence. Both men have spent their careers bragging about their own qualities.

It has often led to fans having plenty of opinions on them as people and personalities rather than their individual careers, but both men have created some unforgettable moments on the pitch.

Ultimately, Balotelli and Ibrahimovic are two players who are confident enough to back themselves and believe that they’re the best. But the stats do favour the Swedish star.