Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has claimed that supremely confident team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic compared himself to Jesus to former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian manager was in charge at the Ligue 1 club in 2012-13, eventually leading them to the title before moving to Real Madrid at the beginning of last season.
Verratti has revealed that the Swedish striker - who was recently infuriated when he learnt he was only the nation's second-greatest sportsman - told Ancelotti by comparing himself to the Christian Messiah.
"Before winning the 2012/13 league title, we were getting ready to play against Lyon," Verratti told FourFourTwo magazine.
"Carlo Ancelotti was a bit tense, so Ibra approached him and asked him if he believed in Jesus. Ancelotti said yes, so Ibra told him: 'Good, so you believe in me. You can relax!'
"Zlatan is like this – he has a lot of self-confidence. This helps him to be a great player."
He added: "We are starting to get used to the amazing goals he scores. Some of the plays you see him do during a match – they don't just happen. He works on everything in training.
"He has a co-ordination and creativity that very few players have. Even Ibra has got us used to his amazing goals!"
Verratti and Ibrahimovic will face Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League on 17 February and 11 March.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments