Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the media ahead of AC Milan’s game against Liverpool and shared his thoughts on his role, the Liverpool game and the Rossoneri’s situation. In a feisty mood, he aimed digs at Zvone Boban and a Swedish journalist.
It’s a big game for Milan tonight and manager Paulo Fonseca has made three changes to the starting XI. With Inter up at the weekend, the Rossoneri need to send a signal tonight and just like the players, the club consultant Ibrahimovic is also under pressure.
Speaking to Viaplay ahead of the game, the former striker was asked about his role at the club, what it feels to be on the sidelines on a night like this, and if money was important in deciding to return. As for the latter, he made it very clear that it wasn’t the case.
In addition to that, Ibrahimovic also fired back at Boban who questioned the Swede’s role at Milan when interviewed by Sky Italia…
Viaplay interview
How does it feel to be on the sidelines and not on the pitch?
“I have gotten used to it, since my new role this is the first Champions League game. It feels good, I’m loaded, I’m focused and I’m working.”
What exactly is your new role?
“Everyone talks about the role. I’ve tried to explain before, I’m the boss and everyone works for me.”
On the start of the season…
“It’s not the start we had hoped for, but there is a lot of new stuff. New manager, new players. After four years with the same manager, they need to get used to a new system. With patience, it will come.”
What is the goal for this season?
“Our ambition is to win, we are playing for trophies and we will do everything to get there. But we won’t take anything for granted, we take it one day at a time. We want to win today and tomorrow, not just today.”
Why did you decide to return?
“I got a good offer which I couldn’t say no to. Money? No no, do I need money? Why are we talking about that? A good offer can mean many different things, it doesn’t have to do with money…”
On the Liverpool game…
“I think it will be a good game, I’m hoping for that anyway. It’s a tough week that awaits us, first Liverpool and then Inter. Now the players have to show who they are, and what we are about.”
Sky comments with Boban
Ibrahimovic: “The role is simple, many talk. I’m in charge, I’m the boss and everything else works for me. Even Boban [present in the Sky Italia studios] didn’t understand my role…”
Boban: “Nobody understood, to be honest.”
Ibrahimovic: “I’ll explain now: I’m in charge, I’m the boss and everyone works for me. We work in silence.”
Were you in for Victor Osimhen?
“I’m silent.”