Zlatan Ibrahimovic Converts Manchester Shopping Mall Into 150,000 Square Foot House

After officially announcing his move to Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed another project that he’s been secretly working on: converting the 150,000 square foot Arndale Shopping Centre into his personal residence, which he has dubbed “Zlatan”.

“Manchester, welcome to Zlatan” pic.twitter.com/yUFZIQpvg9

— Pol Gustems (@PolGustems) July 1, 2016

And final angle of “Welcome to Zlatan, Manchester” #MUFC pic.twitter.com/g2kUU53B6S

— Serge Adam (@SergeMUFC) July 1, 2016

When asked why he would spend a reported $25 million converting a shopping mall into a personal palace, Ibrahimovic gave one of his trademark cryptic answers,

I am Zlatan. Are you Zlatan? Why would I live in a regular house? You are a reporter. Your house is made of words. I prefer something stronger, like steel.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibhrahimovic has promised that he will open up his new home on the third Sunday of every month to 1,000 strangers for fika, a Swedish tradition intrinsic to daily life that’s basically a glorified coffee break with snacks.

Now I am a part of Manchester. They opened their doors to me, I will open my doors for them. I take Sweden with me everywhere I go.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

In the coming months, Ibra also has plans to open a Swedish Jiu Jitsu academy in a part of his house that used to be a yoga studio when it was a mall.

Ibrahimovic holds a blackbelt and maintains that martial arts have helped him as a soccer player by improving his balance and focus.

If you kick your opponent in the head, he is no longer your opponent – he is thinking the pain inside of his head. This is when you think about the goal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

If Zlatan’s antics since officially announcing his move to Manchester United a few days ago are any indication of what’s to come, this Premier League season will be one for the ages.