The idea of a return to AC Milan for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in some capacity continues to be spoken about, with a number of different potential roles under consideration.
La Gazzetta dello Sport recall that Ibrahimovic arrived at Milanello after the horrors of the derby and on the eve of the first Champions League match against Newcastle to show that he remains close to the squad and he wants to lend a hand in any way he can.
There had been rumours (more fan-led speculation) about Ibrahimovic coming back to Milan all through the summer after he retired, but these were fuelled heavily when he met Gerry Cardinale for the first time in a Milanese hotel on the day of the Newcastle game.
It is impossible to classify face-to-face as a simple courtesy meeting which are normally done in the stadium, not closed in a private room, away from the cameras.
The meeting with RedBird’s number one was then followed by another (at least one) with the CEO Giorgio Furlani, and at that point the agenda of these appointments was clear to everyone: to evaluate together – the club and Zlatan – if there is a role for him.
Milan are very grateful to Ibra for his help in recent years, and Ibra is very grateful to Milan for having given him a second youth in football. While the team are in a delicate moment, the idea of having his presence around the squad again becomes appealing.
The report adds that in recent weeks, Milan have gradually changed their communication regarding Zlatan. In practice we have gone from that ‘courtesy greeting’ – evidently not credible – of 19 September with Cardinale, to an increasingly clear admission on the possible return to the Rossoneri.
Then, everything was clearly publicly confirmed directly by Cardinale: “Zlatan could be extremely effective, both as an advisor for me and as a leadership spirit for the whole team. It depends on him. But we are discussing and I really like it, I think there are a lot of advantages for us.”
Ibrahimovic is reflecting, with a clear thought in mind: if he can help the club that has given him so much he will do it willingly, but he must be given an important role where he can make a difference.
In this regard, Ibra addressed his future on the stage of the Trento Sports Festival earlier in the month: “I’m taking time to understand what to do. If I enter something I want to make a difference, but be myself.
“Let’s see what happens, something let’s do it. We’re talking with Milan, let’s see where we get, it’s time to get to know each other. If one can bring something it makes an impact, otherwise it doesn’t.”
Even in this case, there is no lack of clarity. He will not have a simple ambassadorial role, and that is why it’s automatic to think of him back at Milanello, just like that day in September when he settled naturally on the sidelines, next to Pioli, to observe the finishing of his former team-mates.
It’s harder to imagine him on Pioli’s staff, but easier to think of him as club manager, a figure who acts as a glue between the dressing room and the club, so he has the license to interface with the team as well as with the management.
It is that role – perhaps only that one – that the discussion between Milan and Zlatan is probably being based around, as well as the precise definition of his role, what he can do and where he can’t.
It is necessary to make two precise and primary needs coincide: Zlatan’s ego and his need to lend a concrete hand, and the need of the owners to ensure that that ego does not overflow.
club manager seems as hollow a role as you can find. Thats like baresi being a vice president.. Glass window roles