When we talk about legendary figures of football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly in the conversation. He is known for his great skills, but also larger-than-life personality. He has unmatched confidence and boasts impressive and world class goal-scoring records with all teams he has ever represented, including AC Milan.
Now, he is acting as consultant for the Rossoneri club, under the guidance of Gerry Cardinale, the RedBird founder and managing partner.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's connection with AC Milan began back in 2010, when Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani managed to bring him to the San Siro from FC Barcelona on loan then on a permanent transfer for around 24 million euros at that time. His leadership and impact on the field were immense, and helped Milan win a Scudetto.
AC Milan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic: A Partnership for the Ages
He only stayed at AC Milan for two seasons before leaving to Paris Saint-Germain, a move that the player himself was never really very keen on, "It was difficult, this first stint at Milan had brought back happiness to me. I didn't want to leave Milan. Before going on vacation, I know how it works before the summer, calls come in, I asked Galliani, 'Can I see you for 5 minutes, please?' He said yes. I told him, 'Please promise me you won't sell me? I don't want to leave Milan, I'm happy, and the family is doing well.' 'Okay, don't worry.' After three weeks, I was on vacation, Mino calls me. I don't answer. In an hour, 10 missed calls. I understood that something was wrong. I answered Mino, 'I don't want to leave, anywhere.' He said, 'It's already done at PSG.' 'PSG? No no, I'm fine at Milan.' They sold me and Thiago Silva as a package, he already had an agreement", he said in an interview.
Fate, however, is a beautiful thing, and the Swedish striker returned to Milan after an experience in LA Galaxy, where he wrote history. Many had written him off. But, his presence on the pitch and locker room said otherwise. His impact at Milan, under the guidance of ex Rossoneri coach Stefano Pioli, was concrete. Milan returned to competing in the UEFA Champions League and also won the Scudetto in the final Serie A matchday on May 22, 2022 after a victory against Sassuolo away from home.
AC Milan’s Current Ambitions: Looking Ahead
Now, Ibrahimovic is retired. But, the job is not finished. He is still part of AC Milan, although not on the pitch, but on the club's organisational structure. He does attend training sessions at Milanello and speaks with the players, as Gerry Cardinale, the club owner, tries to have him replicate Paolo Maldini's role, in a sense.
AC Milan with Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Milan are coming fresh from a historic win in the new Champions League format against European and Spanish champions Real Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu. The legendary former centre-forward witnessed the win and met with Florentino Perez. He has expressed pride in the team of new coach Paulo Fonseca. Now, he asks for consistency as he will continue to watch the matches closely.
Next match? It is set to be played today against Cagliari at 6:00 PM GMT+1, away from home as Fonseca looks to bring home three points while Francesco Camarda starts from first minute.
