AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has stressed the importance of finishing the season on a strong note as his side close out the season against Hellas Verona tonight.
With nothing left for Milan to play for after securing their top four spot with a win against Juventus last week, but tonight is all about the farewell of Ibrahimovic who will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The 41-year-old says goodbye to Milan after five and a half seasons with 163 games played, 93 goals scored and 35 assists, with two Scudetti and one Supercoppa Italiana, plus of course the respect and adoration of every single fan.
Pioli was interviewed by DAZN not long before kick-off in the season finale and he was asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure as well as Rafael Leao’s renewal.
“Ibra? I saw him determined to recover, but more thoughtful in the last few days: he is deciding his future,” he said (via MilanNews).
If Zlatan hadn’t returned to Milan: “I think our journey began with the defeat in Bergamo and the arrivals in January. Zlatan was an important figure for the team, for growth and mentality. I had the luck of coaching a great champion who made me grow and improve.”
On Leao: “He is trying to take from Ibra the obsession of becoming a champion. He has the potential.”
