Francesco Totti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared the stage of Serie A for years and now the Roma legend has offered some advice to his former opponent.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews), carries an interview with Totti during which he talked about the situation of Ibrahimovic. In many ways Totti’s last season with his beloved Roma was a bit like the Swede’s, as it was dominated by spells on the bench and injury problems.
“I wouldn’t wish my last year even to the worst enemy. When you only get used to coming off the bench, you slowly lose the rhythm of the match. You enter and you realise the ball arrives later, your head still tells you exactly what to do but your legs will arrive a moment later,” he said.
The former number 10 gave some personal advice to Ibrahimovic but was keen to stress that the 40-year-old is one of those players who only come around every once in a while.
“As a football lover, I hope Ibra can continue: it would be a gift for all those who follow this sport. The decision is too personal. I hope he will continue as long as he feels like it, but only if the body allows him to be decisive as he always has been.”
There is a lot of speculation about the fact that Ibrahimovic can continue at Milan either as a director, an ambassador of sorts or even as part of the coaching staff, and with Totti having remained at Roma he knows all about that path.
“Everyone like Ibra in image and impact would like him. We must be careful not to become a poster or a flag to be waved only when needed. The day it stops, Ibra will immediately understand what he wants to do. If a proposal should arrive, ask immediately: what should I do and who should I do it with?”
Totti sent a final message to Ibra at the end of the interview: “I hope to see you spread out your arms and rejoice after a few goals in these last rounds of the season.”
