AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli was non-committal when asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future but seemed to suggest the club will be happy to go with any decision he makes.
The latest knee issue sustained by Ibrahimovic will require specific treatment that will take at least 10 days, which means he will be forced to miss at least three matches. He will be out against Genoa on Friday in the league, on Tuesday 19 in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals against Inter and also against Lazio the following weekend.
The 40-year-old’s injuries are becoming much more frequent this season as he has played only 19 matches in the league, so there is speculation swirling about a potential retirement and a future away from the field, with Totti even urging him to listen to his body.
Pioli spoke to the reporters who gathered on the eve of the game against Genoa at San Siro about a number of different topics from the team’s scoring problems to the form of individuals, and he was asked specifically about Zlatan.
“The physical problems are there for everyone. He has had several and now he is struggling with the knee. Unfortunately it went like this, we hope to have him in the last few games. Regarding his future, I am sure he will make the best choice. And we will be with him whatever he chooses,” he said (via MilanNews).
“Having him or not having him makes the difference, especially in home matches where there are fewer spaces and therefore you are forced to play a lot of balls in the box. But we also have other quality players. We hope to have Ibra back on the pitch soon.”
