Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted that he will stay at AC Milan even when he retires as a player, and he also spoke about his passion for martial arts.
Ibrahimovic is currently undergoing his recovery process after have knee surgery after the Scudetto win last season, and he is expecting to return either at the end of January or some time early in February.
The Swede has had a profound impact on the squad since his return part way through the 2019-20 season, not only with his goals but also through his leadership and the winning mentality that he managed to instil.
Ibrahimovic was interviewed by Alberto Angela for ‘Stasera a Milano’ on Rai 1, and the 41-year-old spoke about Milan, his relationship with the city and more, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
You made sporting history in Milano, wearing both Milan and Inter shirts. What is the effect of playing in such an important stadium?
“It has a great effect on me, here for 8/9 years it was part of my career, I was lucky enough to win important trophies, play with great champions, work with great coaches and I got to know the city, which for me is like a second home.”
Do you have a ritual after scoring a goal?
“Every goal has its moment, when the ball enters the goal there’s something going through your body that you want to get out and enjoy with the fans. I find a reference, a child, a person in the stands, and I focus on him and bring out all the emotion. There isn’t something programmed, what happens happens. I’d like to hug everyone, but it’s a bit difficult to hug 80,000 (laughs).”
You have a passion for martial arts…
“When I was younger I did Taekwondo, I did many things with this sport. My movements are so natural, I was doing things that I thought were right when others were saying ‘this isn’t football’. I scored with movements that didn’t feel like football, but it was magic.”
What does Milan mean to you?
“I spent many years here, I got to know the city which is like my second home. I’ve met people in the city who make me feel at home, I’m very comfortable. I enjoy, live and feel alive. It’s no secret that it may be that I stay here after my career ends.”
What advice would you give to a boy or girl who would like to start playing football?
“First of all, do what makes you happy. You don’t have to do things for other people, you have to do it for yourself, believe in yourself. This keeps you going for a long time.”
