Ibrahimovic discusses Milan move and return, Scudetto, Maldini’s sacking and future

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has recently shared the details of his move to AC Milan, shedding light on the possibility of joining the club earlier after leaving Juventus. The football veteran made this revelation during his appearance at the Festival dello Sport in Trento. In his conversation, Ibrahimovic touched upon various topics, providing insights into his career and personal experiences.

When asked about his early days as a child, Ibrahimovic humorously mentioned that he was quite mischievous, just like any other child. He revealed his deep love for football and how he always carried a ball with him wherever he went, even though many believed he lacked talent. His energy and passion were the driving forces behind his development as a player.

Throughout the interview, Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining a sense of identity. Despite growing older and gaining more experience, he believed that his core identity remained intact. He acknowledged the changes that come with maturity and parenthood but stressed the importance of carrying oneself with elegance and uniqueness.

Reflecting on his early years at Ajax, Ibrahimovic spoke about the immense pressure he faced due to comparisons made between him and Marco van Basten. Although he initially struggled with the weight of these expectations, he never gave up and continued to have faith in himself. With mental strength and perseverance, Ibrahimovic gradually overcame the challenges and made a name for himself in the following years.

Ibrahimovic also opened up about his relationship with his agent, Mino Raiola, who played a pivotal role in his career. The football star described their first encounter at a sushi restaurant, where Raiola displayed his confidence and belief in Ibrahimovic’s abilities. The bond between Ibrahimovic and Raiola grew, and they supported each other throughout their careers, overcoming various obstacles together.

In discussing his time under coach Fabio Capello, Ibrahimovic revealed how the coach pushed him to be more direct and focused on scoring goals. Under Capello’s guidance, Ibrahimovic honed his skills and became more tactically aware. He also mentioned the influence of his former teammate David Trezeguet, who taught him the importance of a striker’s mentality in Italy – to prioritize scoring goals.

Addressing his potential transfer to Milan after Juventus, Ibrahimovic disclosed that negotiations took place with both Inter and Milan. While initially leaning towards Milan, the club asked him to wait for their Champions League qualification. This window gave Inter the opportunity to act swiftly and secure Ibrahimovic’s signature first.

Ibrahimovic also briefly touched upon the time he spent at Milan alongside Mario Balotelli, expressing disappointment in Balotelli’s failure to seize the opportunities he had been given. Furthermore, when asked about Rafael Leao’s missed back heel in the Champions League, Ibrahimovic stated that Leao’s situation should not be compared to Balotelli’s. In his opinion, only true geniuses understand what needs to be done in such critical moments.

Reflecting on his chances of winning the Champions League, Ibrahimovic acknowledged that Barcelona, during his time with the club, was a formidable force. However, he believed that any team he played for had the potential to win the prestigious competition.

In response to a question about dealing with a tactical coach, Ibrahimovic advised to follow the coach’s instructions but also stressed the importance of learning the fundamentals of football at a young age. While tactics can be learned later, the basics should be ingrained early on.

Lastly, Ibrahimovic shared the story of his move to Milan. He revealed that his coach at the time was eager to sell him, but after a match against Milan, he was approached by several Milan players who encouraged him to join their team. After consulting with his wife, Ibrahimovic agreed to the move, and an agreement was reached with Barcelona. He fondly recalled a dinner with Milan’s former vice-president Adriano Galliani, where the credit card payment failed, prompting him to jokingly offer to foot the bill.

When asked about his impressions of former Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, Ibrahimovic expressed his admiration for the charismatic figure. He credited Berlusconi with bringing joy back into his life after a challenging period at Barcelona and praised his impact on the history of Milan and football as a whole.

With these intriguing insights into Ibrahimovic’s career and personal experiences, it becomes clear that his journey to success has been filled with challenges, perseverance, and a strong belief in himself. His candidness allows fans to gain a deeper understanding of the iconic footballer, making him even more respected and admired in the sporting world.

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Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.