Inside the Vogue man NL (2/2)
For everyone who cant an item in their country!
The interview is in dutch, i found a part of it online and translated it to english:
Interview
“Hey, would it be fun if Zlatan Ibrahimović joined the interview?” When Virgil van Dijk suggests something like that, of course you don’t say no. Two football legends answering life’s big questions together: besides some playful banter, it also leads to plenty of wisdom. “You should be proud of yourself. There is no one else like you.”
Even people who have never watched a football match in their lives know the names Virgil van Dijk and Zlatan Ibrahimović—and probably recognize their faces as well. These two towering legends have each built remarkable careers. Van Dijk (34), better known simply as Virgil, is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and a rock-solid captain of the Dutch national team. Ibrahimović (44), now retired, became famous for his extraordinary physical longevity—after all, he continued playing at the highest level until he was 41—as well as his unpredictable style, creativity, and outspoken personality. From 2001 to 2004, the then virtually unknown Swedish striker played for AFC Ajax, helping the club win two Dutch league titles. Today, he works behind the scenes at **AC Milan>.
The two often faced each other on the pitch as striker and defender, but anyone expecting a rivalry can relax: Virgil and Zlatan have great mutual respect and enjoy a friendly relationship. So much so that Virgil invited his fellow footballer to join this interview. While Virgil connects from the United Kingdom, Zlatan appears on camera from Italy. Together, they answer questions from the Proust Questionnaire, the famous set of questions made popular by the French writer Marcel Proust, designed to reveal a person’s true character. For both men, it’s a refreshing change from the usual interrogation about tactics and match analysis.
What is your greatest fear?
Virgil:
“Death. Hopefully it’s still a long way off, but throughout life you’re reminded that it can be much closer than you think. Last summer, both my Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota and a young member of my family passed away unexpectedly. Moments like that definitely make me think about it.”
Zlatan:
“I don’t believe in fear. I believe in challenges. That doesn’t mean I’m never afraid. I was afraid when I decided to retire from football—and that moment will come for Virgil too. But you have to accept it. It’s simply fear of the unknown.”
Which quality do you dislike most in other people?
Virgil:
“I can’t stand people who do the bare minimum or don’t put in any real effort. That really irritates me, both in football and outside of it.”
Zlatan:
“People who talk a big game but can’t back up their words. I don’t take those people seriously.”
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Virgil:
“You should be proud of yourself. There is no one else like you. There will always be someone who’s better, more successful, richer, or more attractive, so you have to be content with who you are and what you have.”
Zlatan:
“Nothing. I’m happy with myself. I’m healthy, I have a wonderful family, and I can live off the career football has given me. Well… maybe I’d change my nose a little—but I’ve already tried that three times.”
When and where were you happiest?
Virgil:
“My time at Liverpool has been an incredible experience. Playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, in a team where everything just clicks and where we’ve won so many trophies… Sometimes it honestly feels like nothing can stop us.”
Zlatan:
“For me, it was when I played for AC Milan in 2010. I came from Barcelona, where I wasn’t happy. Milan gave me my joy for the game back.”
Which virtue do you think is the most overrated or underrated?
Virgil:
“Being satisfied with the bare minimum. You should always strive to get the very best out of yourself.”
Zlatan:
“Arrogance. People see it as something negative. I see it as self-confidence.”
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@dinaizrima part 2 here you go!! Xx
