Zlatan Ibrahimovic publicly declared recently that he could well stay at AC Milan beyond the end of his playing days, or at the very least in the city.
Calciomercato.com recall the words of the Swede in his interview with Rai: “I feel good at Milan, I feel alive. It’s no secret that he may stay longer than expected.” Ibrahimovic could continue to play for Milan for a while longer, yet and then maybe move from Milanello to Casa Milan to fill a managerial role.
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There are several solutions on the table as per the report, but in Zlatan’s mind at the moment getting back on the field is an absolute priority. The Swede worked with his team-mates in Dubai and wants to lead the squad in a Scudetto comeback and in the Champions League.
In February the Rossoneri will face Tottenham in the Champions League in a clash that sees them face off against Antonio Conte again. If things are positive between now and the end of the season, the 41-year-old could ask to extend his contract as a player again because he is convinced that he can make a difference on the pitch despite his age.
Milan will leave a wide range of options on the table for Ibrahimovic and the problem will never be economic as the demands regarding salary are not high but inherent to the role of the striker which is gradually changing.
If Ibra decides to hang up his boots, there are three hypotheses in mind: one is for him to take up a role in Casa Milan as part of the management, another is for him to become part of the coaching staff or a team manager in some way, and the third is for him to go down the agent route given his friendship with Enzo Raiola.
If he wants to continue, then he can do that as the 4th or 5th striker option.
But Milan needs to sign a striker born in this century to be their leading striker from next summer on.
Love Giroud, love Ibra, but if Milan goes into next season with one of them being the starter, then they are not serious about competing at a high level.
A young mobile striker that can create chances on his own is needed. Can’t rely on a 37 and 42 year old and on a always injured career back up
“he can do that as the 4th or 5th striker option.”
So basically you’re saying Origi should be in front of him? LOL!!!
Absolutely.
Zlatan will be 42 next season. The last time we saw him play was in may. He had a serious knee sutgery. We still haven’t seen play this season, let alone next season.
Origi will be 28. Age is more than just a number in football, especially when one of them is 42.
Also, Origi was signed to a 5 year contract paying him, up to this point, team high 4 mil salary. Unless you can sell him, which is highly unlikely, you better be playing him ahead of a 42 year old, physically broken down all time great
Fair point re Origi. I think he’s turning out to be a rare “miss” for Maldini & co, but if he can get his physical condition straightened out he can still be a productive member of the squad. Don’t know what to think about Ibra. It’s obvious that his presence has a net positive effect on the team. He’s an all time great, and that in and of itself is an asset, particularly on a team with so many young players. That said he has had fitness issues every season and when plays is very static and lacks pace. Contemporary football demands the involvement of all 11 players on the build up (off the ball movement) and defensive phases (pressing). Waiting around the top of the box for a pass is football from a bygone era. Of course, you can still play like this, but it will become a disadvantage against other big clubs playing in the contemporary way.
Origi is a useless footballer, he will never get more than 7 goals per season in a Milan shirt sorry