The famous football player Zlatan Ibrahimović openly wrote about his difficult childhood in the book “Adrenaline”.
He shared the world and the story of his father who had vicesand who was saved from alcoholism by Zlatan. It is about a singer of folk music, Sefik Ibrahimovićwho did not get too much exposure in the media, but sang and worked in the areas of the former Yugoslavia, where he was remembered by the people.
Zlatan wrote in the book that his family fell apart because of his father Šefik, who indulged in alcohol. He never forgot the quarrels at home: They shouted curses, and I thought – great, just like at home. He didn’t watch my games or encourage me at school. He had his drinking, his war and his Yugoslav music, wrote Zlatan.
As a kid, I was lucky to have what other kids hadto be able to wear something new, because I always wore the same tracksuit. If I was short of socks, I’d put on my socks. I tried to hide them under my jeans, but at school they noticed and made fun of me. Every day was a struggle against poverty and shame, he admitted.
Happiness with my father was when he would pick up me and my sister from my mother. He would put me on his lap and I would drive a blue Opel Kadett, and then he would take us out for hamburgers and ice cream. Usually I visit my father every time I return to Sweden.
My mother is calm today and her happiness is part of mine. You can see how hard she worked on her face and hands. She got up at 4 in the morning, and after work took care of five children. She had two husbands who drank and were causing her problems. When I got my first salary at Ajax, I told her: ‘Mom, you’re not working anymore. I’ll take care of you’, shared Zlatan.
Šefik dedicated the song “Zlato, Zlatane” to his son.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: X)
