Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Nicklas Bendtner: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's success separates us

Nicklas Bendtner believes that both he and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ar "authentic" characters in the world of football, but the Paris Saint-Germain striker's successful career separates them.

The pair came up against each other in the Euro 2016 qualifying playoffs, with Ibrahimovic scoring a brace in Tuesday's second leg to book Sweden's place in France next summer at the expense of Bendtner's Denmark.

Ibrahimovic later boasted that he sent a whole nation into retirement, instead of Denmark sending him into retirement.

In an interview with 11 Freunde, conducted before the playoffs, Bendtner praised Ibrahimovic and spoke of the similarities of the two eccentric footballers.

"We are both authentic. We are who we are," Bendtner said. "And we say what we think. But that's where our similarities end."

The Dane admitted that "success" was the main difference between the two attackers.

"Zlatan can look back on an incredible career," he said. "He has won the league in every country he's played in. I've got huge respect for him."

When asked who would come out on top in a "Celebrity Deathmatch" between the two, Bendtner said: "Him!"

Bendtner is currently competing with Bas Dost for a place in Wolfsburg's starting XI, with the Netherlands international more often than not getting the nod.

The former Arsenal man admitted that he is frustrated with his lack of game time at Wolfsburg, which has seen him been handed only three starts in the Bundesliga this season.

Bendtner, however, still believes he has what he takes to be a good striker.

"The fact that I don't get a lot of opportunities to score goals doesn't change the fact that I can score goals," he said. "But it also frustrates me. Sometimes I could tear down walls."

But despite the lack of opportunities on the pitch, Bendtner, who says his best time "has not yet begun," vowed not to give up.

He said: "You can ask everyone here at the club, 'Is Nicklas always in the weights room before training? Is Nicklas always in the weights room after training?' And everyone will confirm it. I even bought a bike on wheels for my living room. You can see that I work hard."

^ Back to Top ^