Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to AC Milan is something that will give a boost to the entire environment during a difficult moment, but a journalist has stressed that he cannot be the cure to all problems.
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In a statement published yesterday, RedBird Capital Partners confirmed that Ibrahimovic is back for a third spell at the club. He is their employee officially and will be the Operating Partner across its Sports and Media & Entertainment investment portfolio, but will also serve as a Senior Advisor to AC Milan Ownership and Senior Management.
Of course the media have run away with the storyline and the romantic narrative of the 41-year-old coming back to the club that he loves so much, while La Gazzetta outlined some of his roles and responsibilities more clearly given the vagueness of his two job titles.
Anto Vitiello has written a column for MilanNews and he touched on Ibrahimovic’s return, expressing an air of caution regarding the idea that the Swede will get everything back on track quickly.
“It’s up to him, once again, to solve Milan’s problems. It’s a shame that Zlatan can’t wear his playing boots, because he would have been even more useful fighting in the fray, but Ibrahimovic’s ‘third return’ will still have benefits for the team,” he said.
“The announcement of the Swede’s return as consultant to Gerry Cardinale, but also to Furlani and Scaroni, will have an initial emotional effect on the team. And that’s what they hope at Milanello, that the group gets a jolt in a very complicated moment. Ibrahimovic’s return should be read in this way.
“He has always been a player of exceptional charisma, and he can impact the players’ heads, he can help them overcome a delicate phase of the season. The psychological aspect should not be overlooked, also because it is the only thing Ibrahimovic can do in the immediate future.
“There will be a dialogue with the club on sporting decisions, therefore on the pitch, but also on the market. Ibra will give his opinion on a player to sell or buy, based on his 30 years of playing football.
“He will be able to give his advice on whether to focus on one player rather than another, or enter into negotiations to have a conversation with a transfer target and convince him to accept the Rossoneri project. Furthermore, Ibrahimovic must fill a managerial void in charismatic terms left with Maldini’s departure.
“Then it will also be important from the point of view of the image and diffusion of the Milan brand. His mandate will include promoting AC Milan’s global brand and commercial interests and supporting special projects of strategic importance, including the new stadium.
“Unfortunately Zlatan will not be the panacea for all Milan’s problems. And he won’t have a magic wand. He won’t be able to stop the team from conceding goals in spades, those are things that are up to the coach. Pioli’s responsibilities, from this point of view, are extensive . Ibrahimovic will be a help, but he won’t solve all the problems.”
