Within American sports, sure, but he's not that famous across the globe so I'm not sure about the jealousy thing. But I don't think that matters, silly thing for Zlatan to say, regardless.
Zlatan tells LeBron James to stay out of politics...
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
Thanks for your insightful input.
According to Google Trends, they're about equal in terms of popularity with maybe a slight advantage for Lebron. I think Americans definitely overestimate how popular their sports stars are across the globe, especially in contrast to football. Football stars trump basketball stars in this metric.
That being said, Zlatan is clearly on the wrong here while Lebron is completely on point, IMO.
You mean the same NYC that was literally begging him to join their teams every time he was a free agent? Cool story. The decision was a decade ago, so maybe you should update your sources. I've in Brooklyn and lived in San Francisco during the height of the Cavs/Warriors rivalry. He's extremely well-respected and popular even amongst opposing fans. Only fringe right-wingers and people who take tribalism in sports way to seriously don't like him.
Ok mate
Zlatan has clarified his statement in an interview, pre-San Remo.
“Racism and politics are two different things. We athletes unite the world, politics divides the world,” he said.
“Everyone is welcome, it has nothing to do with where you are from, we do what we do to unite. We don’t do other things because we are not good at it, otherwise I would be in politics.
“That’s my message. Athletes must be athletes, politicians must be politicians.”
“Racism and politics are two different things. We athletes unite the world, politics divides the world,” he said.
“Everyone is welcome, it has nothing to do with where you are from, we do what we do to unite. We don’t do other things because we are not good at it, otherwise I would be in politics.
“That’s my message. Athletes must be athletes, politicians must be politicians.”
That's not clarified anything, if anything it muddies his message even more.
Racism is also very political, whether he likes to admit it or not.
That doesn't help at all.
There is so much wrong in what he says from a fundamental standpoint. But we focus on athletes, sports and fandom, sports is generally grounded in tribalism whether we are talking about clubs or national teams, it doesn't unite at all but exploits divisions in a more palatable way.
Racism IS politics. I wouldn't expect Zlatan to allign with the "stay-out of politics" nonsense of UEFA... Zlatan should watch Cantona's 2019 speech in the UEFA ceremony.
Certainly seems like the initial comments weren't regarding his involvement in the BLM movement. But then again only Zlatan could answer that question.
What is regarded as political or not is a different question.
He did it, he's surpassed the shite he spoke the last time round.
Zlatan is a wish.com Eric Cantona.
That's the best description of him I've ever seen
