Watford striker Troy Deeney has revealed his admiration for Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after a brief meeting during the Gennady Golovkin vs Kel Brook boxing match last Saturday, The Sunday Times reports.
The two went toe to toe on Sunday afternoon and it was the Hornets captain who won the bout by netting in the 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho's beleaguered side.
The Swedish superstar has scored four goals in his first five Premier League appearances since his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. As well as his fearsome goalscoring record, the former Barcelona star brings a certain braggadocio to English shores, but Deeney admires the confidence Ibrahimovic exhibits.
Deeney said: "Love the guy. I've read his book. I saw him at the boxing [Kell Brook v Gennady Golovkin] and I shook his hand and said, "?All the best, I'll see you on Sunday.' He just looked at me as if to say, "?Who are you?' I wasn't angry. I was like, "?That's just what I expect."?
He added: "People describe him as arrogant. I wouldn't. If you look at his CV he has every reason to be confident. If I'd won titles in four different countries I'd be walking round probably with my nuts out all the time.
"But he has humility as well. When I saw him come out and support Paul Pogba, he didn't have to do that."?
The West Midlands-born striker also compared their contrasting starts in their professional careers that has ultimately led them to Premier League.
"He's the opposite to me. At the start, my fight was wondering if I belonged whereas his was knowing he was the best and having to prove it to everyone. He comes from a tough background. He's had to earn everything."?