Armand Duplantis, the Olympic and world pole vault champion, has shared insights into his connection with football during an extensive interview with *Milan TV*. As a well-known supporter of AC Milan, Duplantis revealed more about his passion for the sport.
Speaking about his ties with football, Duplantis stated, “I think it’s a beautiful sport. I spent much of my life in the United States, where football wasn’t deeply embedded in the local culture. However, every time I returned to Sweden, it was the only thing my cousin and I watched, and that’s where my love for football began to flourish.” He shared this sentiment with *Milan TV*.
When asked if he has recently played football, the athlete admitted, “Not recently, it’s been a long time. I played football when I was younger, but there wasn’t a strong football culture where I grew up.” He went on to express his desire to have played more by stating, “I would have loved to play more because I truly believe it’s an amazing game. I feel I would have liked to delve deeper into it, but I was simply too good at pole vaulting, so I pursued that sport instead.”
Reflecting on his potential role in football, Duplantis suggested, “I would probably be a winger, using my speed to my advantage because I’m fast. It’s definitely the best quality I could bring to the field.”
Discussing the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish athlete remarked, “Nobody is greater than Zlatan, especially in Sweden; he is the greatest of all, and no one can compare.” Duplantis reflected on receiving praise from Ibrahimović, stating, “It’s strange to think back to when I was a child and admired him; he was my idol. It’s truly a wonderful thing.” These comments were shared during his interview with *Milan TV*.
Duplantis was also asked about similarities in their winning mentality. He commented, “He has a somewhat different mentality than mine, but I think we both have a hunger for victories. It’s what everyone has, that desire to be the best or near the best at what you do.”
Concluding his thoughts, Duplantis emphasised, “The hunger for victories is essential, but I believe it’s about passion, and you really have to love what you do.”