Since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to AC Milan, it has been clear that he has been in a role with significant power, as was expected when rumours of his return first emerged. Given several changes are expected in the summer, there has arguably been no better time for his return.
When rumours first emerged about Ibra’s return to Milan, speculation about the conditions was rife, with several questioning how the club and RedBird could get the most out of the former striker, and in the months following, his importance has gradually shown.
Most recently, the Swede joined the club’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, at a conference with the Financial Times, and spoke about his early conversations that brought him back to the club, placing heavy emphasis on the ambitions he has to enter the different side of football.
“Gerry sent me a photo and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Cardinale opened doors for me, he gave me an opportunity in a different world that was not my ‘normal’ one. But I am excited, I have a lot of ambition. Everything is new, I am starting from scratch. I have so much to learn, so much to improve, but so much desire to do my best step by step. I’m focused on Milan.”
As Calciomercato.com reports, though, there are few differences between Zlatan as a player and an executive, given his reluctance to be an extra. This is not bad in this context, given Cardinale is based in America. Having someone as prominent as Ibrahimovic opens many doors for him and means he can be present at Milanello whilst still in America – which makes Zlatan his vessel for information and authority.
With Ibrahimovic acting in this role, Cardinale wants him to create partnerships with Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio, and from there, the 42-year-old can be influential in several sporting matters, such as player signings and managerial areas.
The report states, though, that the Swede will not choose the players himself, instead being a reference point, and he will hold a weight in the decisive stages of deals, such as deciding to go for a certain player over another.
Furthermore, as has been speculated, he will hold weight in debates regarding the manager and is reported to be the deciding factor in Pioli’s future.
