To have been part of Zlatan's career when he was still growing into the player he became, it's something that makes me happy' Jari Litmanen on playing alongside a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic

"The two of us had a good relationship we connected well on and off the field, Litmanen recalls to FourFourTwo. I did what [boss Ronald] Koeman wanted from me to help the young players. That summer when I arrived, Ajax hinted that Zlatan could leave if a good offer came in for him, because his previous season hadn't gone as expected."

"But that season turned out to be his breakthrough he started to show the qualities that later made him one of the best strikers in the world. To have been part of his career during that period, when he was still growing into the player he became, is something that makes me happy. During this time Ibrahimovic's star was rising, not l"

Ajax has a proven ability to identify and develop young talent. Jari Litmanen arrived from MyPa at 21 in 1992 and became the creative linchpin of the Ajax side that won the 1995 Champions League. Litmanen spent seven years at Ajax before moving to Barcelona in 1999 and then to Liverpool, where injuries limited his impact. Litmanen returned to Ajax after Anfield, received a hero's welcome, and helped the team reach the 2002/03 Champions League quarter-finals. Litmanen formed a close relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, supported younger players under Ronald Koeman, and witnessed Ibrahimovic’s breakthrough season.

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