Zlatan Ibrahimovic's statue vandalised again, ankles sawn off

The statue has been the target of numerous attacks since the Ibrahimovic invested in Stockholm-based Hammarby, angering supporters of Malmo FF, the club where he began his professional career.

Copenhagen: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's statue has once again been vandalised overnight Saturday in his hometown Malmo with the ankles sawn off.

The statue has been the target of numerous attacks since the Swedish footballer invested in Stockholm-based Hammarby, angering supporters of Malmo FF, the club where he began his professional career.

Earlier in November, a day after his investment in Hammarby, Ibrahimovic filed a "hate crime" complaint after the statue was attacked with fire and paint and the word 'Judas' daubed across the front door of his Stockholm home.

In the latest incident, the statue had collapsed against the barrier protecting it, its feet partially chopped off.

"A vandalism complaint has been lodged," a police spokesperson said.

There are calls from local residents for the statue outside Malmo's city stadium to be removed.

"I can understand that many people are disappointed in Zlatan's behaviour but vandalising a statute is simply unworthy. Better to express your dissatisfaction in a democratic way," Malmo deputy mayor Frida Trollmyr said.

Citizens' initiative to move the statue will be considered in February, she added.

Ibrahimovic, 38, is set to make his debut for AC Milan in Serie A on Monday after signing a six-month contract with the former European champions last week.