ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC put Jimmy Kimmel in his place after the American talk show host tried to put down his beloved sport.
Kimmel, 50, attempted to correct the big Swede by telling him to call the beautiful game “soccer” – but Ibra reminded him to call it FOOTBALL.
The former Manchester United striker, 36, appeared on the chat show watched by millions of Americans after joining MLS side LA Galaxy.
After Kimmel described football as “a game we wish our kids didn’t play so we didn’t have to go to it on the weekend.”
Zlatan said: “Listen, first of all soccer – football, we call it in Europe–”
Kimmel interrupted: “We call it soccer! Get used to it!”
But Ibrahimovic replied, with a stern look: “We call it football. It’s the biggest sport in the world.
“So imagine now when you play football, when you’re on the top, how you feel.”
And he looked sharp in a three-piece suit as he arrived at the Hollywood Masonic Temple, where the Kimmel show is filmed.
Ibra gave a wave to fans while walking through security for his on-screen chat with the famous host in front of a rapturous audience.
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Kimmel,complimented him on taking out a full page ad in the LA Times to announce his arrival at which the pair shared a laugh.
And the American asked him the question on everyone’s mind: is he going to the World Cup?
The Swede said: “I’m going to the World Cup, yes.
“I just say I’m going to the World Cup, if I say more, people will hang me. A World Cup without me wouldn’t be a World Cup.”
He also chatted about his move to the MLS club that has previously had the likes of David Beckham and Steven Gerrard don the white jersey.
Talking about leaving Old Trafford and European football for a switch Stateside, he admitted he has had one eye on the Major League for some time.
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Ibra said: “It has been a couple of years, I’ve had my eyes on Los Angeles, to give them a gift.
“I was thinking a long time and then one day it came, I was like ‘I should be myself.’
Kimmel also asked the former Barcelona, Inter, Juventus and AC Milan star about his 40-yard screamer in his opening game as the Galaxy came from 3-0 down to beat Los Angeles FC 4-3.
Ibrahimovic added: “I had a vision before I came. I said ‘I know there are some earthquakes in Los Angeles but this one was me stepping in Los Angeles.’
“I wanted to make a statement and every movie has a good start.”
The host replied: “No, most movies are terrible.”
And Zlatan said: “Not this one.”
“In Europe football is huge, but people said ‘when you come to Los Angeles, don’t worry, you can walk on the street.’
“But since day one, it’s busy everywhere. It’s my own fault, because if you play the way I do…
“I chose [to play] football but I’m sorry for the fans of other sports, because it would be the same thing.”
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