Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return for a third spell at AC Milan has been confirmed by the former striker, as well as owner Gerry Cardinale and CEO Giorgio Furlani.
Multiple sources reported this morning that Ibrahimovic’s comeback is set to be announced through an official statement from the club today, though there is still some mystery as to what his exact role will be.
In an article on the Financial Times, they state that the Swede will be back at Milan as an ‘advisor to the team’s owners and an operating partner for RedBird, the US private equity club that controls the Serie A team’.
The plan is for the 41-year-old to work closely with Cardinale, the founder of RedBird, to further grow the investment firm’s existing portfolio of assets across sports, which of course will have a predominant focus on Milan.
The FT also managed to get some comments from Ibrahimovic, Cardinale and Furlani regarding what the new collaboration means and the motivations behind it.
Ibrahimovic: “RedBird has partnered with some of the greatest athletes, teams and business figures in the world to create businesses with meaning and impact. I look forward to contributing to their investing activities across their sports, media and entertainment properties.”
Cardinale: “What makes a winner of Zlatan’s calibre is not just physical talent, but also high intellect and an entrepreneurial spirit. At RedBird, we have developed partnerships with a very select group of high-performing world class athletes and artists who are able to thrive in the RedBird ecosystem.”
Furlani: “Bringing a leader like Ibra as an adviser to AC Milan’s leadership team underscores our commitment to the future success of our club.”
The ledgend is back, we hope for more success. Forza Milan
Wow so basically Jerry wanted Zlatan to be a mascot for Redbird to attract some spotlights. Their statements are weird af and pretty clear. Nobody talks about football, only business and venture opportunies. It’s merely a communication campaign for Redbird and Zlatan is trying to make a name for himself within business circles. Based on this, I’m not even sure Zlatan will be in touch with Pioli or the players.
Doesn’t sound like he’d be heavily involved in the team’s day to day. But more of a brand ambassador fro BrokeBird.
This is beyond funny haha we all hoped for Zlatan to change the momentum, but in the end he’ll work with the executives aka the bankers. Another communication move from Jerry. They’re like “the team is playing bad, but we hired Zlatan as a trader to invest on the corn market in Indonesia”. I’m so fcking entertained by these idiots. Remember when we were in crisis a few weeks ago and Zlatan appeared magically at Milanello just when the reporters were packed at the entrance haha
Brilliant strategy (the last piece) I just say…..for now 😂. Can’t keep doing that forever, Ibra showing up when things go wrong will get stale. Besides, let’s say they for Pioli soon…that decision or “advice” will be attached to Zlatan. I’m intrigued at this hire tbh 😂
but we hired Zlatan as a trader to invest on the corn market in Indonesia”
😂😂😂 I am dead
That part was quite hilarious 😂