Zlatan Ibrahimovic sends heartwarming message to PSV press officer Thijs Slegers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has left a heartwarming message to a former journalist who is seriously ill, ESPN reports.

The AC Milan striker sent the touching message to current PSV press secretary Thijs Slegers who built-up a rapport with the former Manchester United player during his Ajax days while working as a journalist.

The Swedish superstar’s message was played during a joint production between PSV and ESPN for Slegers – who is fighting leukaemia – on Monday evening in which their friendship was discussed. 

He said: “I was young, confused and didn’t really have anyone in the Netherlands. Then a journalist reached out to help me. And journalists weren’t my friends then, more my enemies.

“We had dinner together, had lunch together and became very good friends. He helped me with what I needed. I even talked about Thijs in my book, because I was so grateful. “He immediately entered my heart. 

“Thijs, I just want to tell you that I love you, my friend.”

Ibrahimovic, 41, joined Eredivisie side Ajax in 2001 from Malmo where he went on to score 35 goals in 74 league appearances before moving to join Serie A club Juventus. 

Slegers, a popular journalist working for various Dutch media outlets, joined PSV as a press officer back in 2015. 

Sadly, he has been battling leukaemia for over two years and last week announced it was terminal. Since the announcement, Slegers has campaigned to get more blood and stem cell donors.

GBeNeFN | Tom Phillips

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