" When you see Zlatan up close, he’s even more imposing than on the television. Zlatan is very, very big, very strong, and his control of the ball is incredible. It can seem like he’s not there, and then he goes and scores the decisive goal. "
- David de Gea

This quote describes Zlatan Ibrahimović as an imposing figure both physically and on the field. The speaker emphasizes how much larger and more impressive Zlatan appears in person compared to his televised image, highlighting his physical strength and exceptional ball control skills. Additionally, it mentions a peculiar quality of his playing style where he can seem absent from the game but suddenly emerge to score crucial goals.

The deep meaning behind this quote goes beyond just describing Zlatan's physical presence and technical abilities; it captures the essence of unpredictability and brilliance in football. The statement suggests that watching Zlatan play is like experiencing a rare and mesmerizing event where his impact can be minimal yet decisive at critical moments. This observation underscores his ability to leave spectators wondering how he does it, only to produce extraordinary results seemingly out of nowhere. It encapsulates the unpredictable genius of an athlete who thrives on making unexpected appearances in high-pressure situations to change the course of a match.

The quote is attributed to David de Gea, a renowned Spanish footballer and goalkeeper for Manchester United and the Spain national team. De Gea has been playing professionally since 2011 and has earned a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world due to his remarkable reflexes and shot-stopping abilities. His perspective on Zlatan is particularly insightful, given that he has faced him numerous times during their careers at Manchester United and Real Madrid.