What They're Saying

• by Soccer America , Dec 26, 2013

"With all respect for what the ladies have done, and they've done it fantastically well, you can't compare men's and women's soccer. Give it up, it's not even funny. When I come out in Europe they compare me to (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo. When I come home they compare me to a female player. With all respect for the ladies, they should be rewarded in relation to what they generate (financially)."

-- Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, speaking out after his country's federation was slammed for presenting midfielder Anders Svensson with a new Volvo for breaking Thomas Ravelli's record of 143 caps. When women's midfielder Therese Sjogran failed to get similar recognition at the same soccer gala despite earning a record 187 caps, the move was widely criticized. (Expressen via Reuters)