AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted that he still has the fire burning inside to get back out on the pitch and be decisive for his team-mates.
Ibrahimovic spoke during an interview with SportMediaset (via SempreMilan.it) about a number of different issues from his recovery to a potential future after being a player and the death of his now former agent Mino Raiola.
The Swede began by discussing his road back to full fitness after he was forced to undergo surgery on his knee at the end of last season, with the general consensus being that he will return to action early next year.
“We still need a little patience. I’m fine, there is still some time before returning to the group with the team but the important thing is to first feel good and then return to play,” he said.
There is still speculation regarding what Ibrahimovic might do once he does decide to hang up his playing boots – whenever that may be – but he did respond to the idea of becoming a coach.
“If I say I want to do it, then I will have to do it. If I was already thinking about being a coach it would also mean that I’m thinking of quitting and it’s not like that. I’m still hungry and mine desire is to continue to be successful.”
Zlatan was asked whether he thinks the current team are heading in the right direction after the Scudetto win last season, given the challenge of now going further in Europe.
“I ask my team-mates for results every day, in training as in a match, and also in discipline. It would be nice to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League but you have to think about commitment after commitment, without forgetting the league. I like having many young team-mates and be invested with so much responsibility.”
Finally, on his agent and friend Mino Raiola who recently passed away: “For him I have only good things, he will remain in my heart and I will miss him forever.”
