Ibrahimovic warns Mbappe to ignore hype

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has warned Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe to ignore the increasing hype that surrounds him.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent seasons, playing an integral role in France’s World Cup triumph last year and winning the inaugural Kopa Trophy in December – a new award given to the world’s best male footballer aged under 21.

Ibrahimovic, who enjoyed a trophy-laden four-year spell at PSG between 2012 and 2016, has been impressed with Mbappe’s achievements so far, but has cautioned him against getting swept up in the accolades that will surely continue to come his way.

“Mbappe is fantastic,” the LA Galaxy forward told the MLS club’s official website.

“He’s young, he’s won nice trophies so far and he’s developing. He is doing a good job and he’ll continue to do the job.

“He just has to keep his focus, even if the hype is around him and all things happening. Just keep focused, train hard and he’ll do even better.”

IBRAHIMOVI©@Ibra_official | #Since96 pic.twitter.com/NTcNDvG4Hp

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) March 1, 2019

LA Galaxy are set to unveil a statue of former player David Beckham ahead of their MLS opener against Chicago Fire on Saturday to the delight of Ibrahimovic, who played with the iconic Englishman at PSG.

“I have a lot of memories with David,” he added.

“He is a good guy, a fantastic guy, on the field and outside the field. So, I am happy for him that he’s getting a statue. And, I think he’s super happy.

“Hopefully it looks good like him also and hopefully we can make it a good game and I hope everything goes well.”