2000s football was something else: In a league match when I was with Inter, my idol and inspiration, the phenomenon Ronaldo, was standing across from me with AC Milan, ready for kick-off. I looked at him closely, hoping he would feel and understand that I wanted to challenge him in this match. But when he looked at me and smiled with his famous innocent smile, I realized that deep down, he saw me as a baby in football, not as a rival or equal. That alone was an honor for me. He is the reason I fell in love with football. I didn’t care. I kept staring at him. I walked over to him, greeted him warmly, shook his hand, and said, “We’ll win today, Ronaldo.” Ronaldo smiled again and said, “Zlatan, if I were fully fit and healthy, I’d have something to say. But unfortunately, I’m struggling. Injuries have taken their toll. I’m not who I used to be.” I went back to my place feeling happy and proud. The phenomenon didn’t want to challenge me. But when the match started and he began running, I was shocked and stunned. Was this the same player who had suffered multiple injuries? And he’s playing like this? He stepped up, scored a stunning goal, and created another incredible chance in the first half, with more dangerous opportunities. Then suddenly, at halftime, I heard he wouldn’t be able to continue the match. The injury he had before the game had worsened during the first half. I rushed to see him, and he was sitting in the room, sad and in pain, his eyes filled with tears. I said to him, “What’s wrong?” To be honest, the scene split me in two. I didn’t know what to say. He told me, “I’m sorry, Zlatan, I can’t continue playing.” I asked him in disbelief, “Were you serious when you told me you were injured?” He said, “Yes.” I thought to myself, “Injured and playing at that level? Is he even human?” I was late for the second half. They were calling me, and I ran out, still thinking about what he said. That’s when I realized: If I could play like Ronaldo while injured, I’d be a miracle in football. So imagine how he played when fully fit. He was my role model in every way. He is the greatest in history.
