AC Milan are already thinking about a future with Zlatan Ibrahimovic beyond the terms of his current deal, according to a report.
The Swede made his first start since securing his return to the Rossoneri earlier in the month and marked it in the perfect way, scoring in the second half as Milan ran out 2-0 winners over Cagliari on Saturday.
His impact has been felt on and off the field: 60,000 fans showed up to see his first game back at San Siro a week ago while the 38-year-old has seemingly raised the levels of Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese describing him as a ‘big brother’.
According to La Repubblica – as cited by MilanLive.it – Milan are already fretting about when the ‘Ibra Effect’ will end. His current contract will expire on June 30th, with Paolo Maldini and Zvonimir Boban already pushing for an extension until June 2021 which will be triggered when certain conditions are met.
First of all, the automatic renewal of will only take place in the event of qualification for the Champions League. With Milan ten points off fourth, it seems unlikely at present.
The second condition concerns the physical-athletic state of Ibrahimovic. At 38 years of age it will be necessary to determine whether the former PSG man is still able and fit to give 100% beyond the summer.
Finally, much will depend on AC Milan’s plans, and yesterday Ibra joked that to renew he will have to win the Scudetto. While tongue-in-cheek, it sent a message: he will only remain if Milan guarantees a team competitive for a high ranking again.
