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Tag: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

  • ‘I make the rules’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic on role at AC Milan

    ‘I make the rules’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic on role at AC Milan

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic has declared himself “the boss” at AC Milan as he discussed his new executive position with the Serie A club.

    After officially rejoining Milan last December as a senior advisor, a move confirmed by the club’s owners, RedBird Capital, Ibrahimovic now plays a key role behind the scenes.

    The Swedish football legend, who had two memorable spells with the Rossoneri during his playing days, is tasked with revitalising what he describes as a challenging situation at the San Siro.

    “I am the boss, and I am in charge; all the others work for me,” the 42-year-old replied when asked by Sky Sports Italia about his role, via ESPN.

    “When the lion goes away, the kittens arrive. When the lion comes back, the kittens disappear. The level is very low, there is too much talk but I only think about working.

    I was away for personal reasons, but I have been here since day one. AC Milan enjoyed a strong summer transfer window, bringing in Tammy Abraham, Alvaro Morata, Youssouf Fofana, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Emerson Royal, and Ibrahimovic is pleased with the club’s business.

    “It went exactly as we wanted, everything we looked for and was missing we got,” he added. “The last one was Abraham, to provide extra reinforcement in attack.”

    Since claiming the Serie A title in 2021-22, AC Milan have watched as Inter Milan have emerged as the dominant force in Italian football. Inter not only secured the league title last season but also reached the Champions League final in 2023.

    Milan, on the other hand, trailed their rivals by 19 points in the 2023-24 campaign and currently sit in 10th place after four games of the 2024-25 season.

    With a lot of ground to cover, Ibrahimovic faces a tough task in restoring Milan to their former glory, but he appears more than ready for the challenge.

    Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, which preceded an awkward interview between Christian Pulisic and Thierry Henry, highlighted the gulf in class between Milan and Europe’s elite, and the USMNT star called for change ahead of this weekend’s Milan Derby.

  • I don’t believe in a God who watched my brother die of leukaemia – Ibrahimovic

    I don’t believe in a God who watched my brother die of leukaemia – Ibrahimovic

    Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that his personal experiences have led him to question his belief in God.

    He recounted a harrowing period when his brother was fighting leukemia and required immediate medical help. Despite their best efforts, his brother did not survive.

    This tragic event led Ibrahimovic to question why divine intervention was absent in his brother’s time of need, ultimately shaping his decision to abandon his faith.

    The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward stressed the importance of self-reliance in overcoming life’s obstacles.

    “I’m not a believer, only I can judge myself. Where was God when my brother died of leukaemia? You are your god. That’s what I believe,” he said in a post shared by Football Talk on X on August 6, 2024.

    Ibrahimovic also revealed that he has no intention of becoming a coach after his football career ends, citing the demanding nature of the profession.

    He noted that coaching involves long hours, typically 12 a day, which he is unwilling to commit to.

    Instead, he prefers to pursue interests that offer him more flexibility and free time.

    “I will never be a coach, they work 12 hours a day, absolutely no free time,” he said, according to Football Talk.

    Ibrahimovic is acclaimed as one of the world’s most prolific forwards, thanks to his successful tenures with multiple top European clubs and his impressive collection of titles.

  • ‘They appeared as best friends but they are not’ – Rafael Leao speaks on his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    ‘They appeared as best friends but they are not’ – Rafael Leao speaks on his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    AC Milan standout Rafael Leao has provided insights into his connection with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and disclosed his closest friend in the San Siro dressing room.

    The Portuguese international noted that Ibrahimovic never directly approached him after a good game but did offer valuable advice on aspects like dribbling and ball control.

    While Leao shared a positive rapport with Ibrahimovic before the Swedish striker’s retirement, he identified Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer as his best friend at Milan.

    Since joining AC Milan in 2019, the 24-year-old has played a key role in the club’s success, notably contributing to their Serie A triumph in the 2021–22 season alongside Ibrahimovic.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzZ4V0hsk08

    The emotional retirement announcement from football by the 41-year-old Ibrahimovic occurred in June of the same year, with a tearful farewell in front of AC Milan fans at San Siro.

    He concentrated on the details a lot; he wasn’t interested in dribbling. Sometimes he would tell me, ‘Rafa, you have to control it like this and immediately take it towards the goal. With your talent, you can’t make mistakes with a touch like that.’”

    When asked who he considers his best friend at San Siro, the player replied, “(Ismael) Bennacer. I’ve got a great relationship with him; he’s my brother.”

    The forward is presently sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in AC Milan’s Serie A encounter against Lecce.

    Omitted from Portugal’s squad for their last Euro 2024 qualifying matches, it remains uncertain whether Leao can recover in time for his club’s upcoming fixture against Fiorentina on Saturday.

  • Balotelli flaunts the Champions League trophy in response to criticism from Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Balotelli flaunts the Champions League trophy in response to criticism from Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Mario Balotelli responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s criticism, following comments from his former Inter teammate, who accused him of wasting his talent.

    Speaking at a festival organised by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic said, “When a kid has the opportunities to make the most of his talent and does not take them, that is a pity.

    Balotelli had so many opportunities and he missed all of them; he just threw his talent away. This is the truth.”

    The Italian forward, currently playing for Turkish club Adana Demirspor, took to Instagram to share a photo of himself lifting the Champions League trophy from the 2009–10 season, a victory achieved during his time with Inter.

    In his Instagram story, Balotelli tagged Ibrahimovic’s account, making it clear that his post was a direct response to Ibrahimovic’s criticism of him.

    The Swedish star had previously commented that Balotelli had ‘thrown away’ his talent.

    Balotelli’s post serves as his reaction to these comments, and it was a pointed reference to Ibrahimovic’s absence from the list of European champions despite his long and illustrious club career.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cy2wwNFgYAY


    Balotelli, 33, has appeared in just two matches for Demirspor in the Turkish league this season.

    Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, retired from professional football at the end of the 2022–23 campaign.

  • Legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic boost AC Milan’s morale with appearance at training grounds

    Legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic boost AC Milan’s morale with appearance at training grounds

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic made an appearance at AC Milan’s training session, which took place a day before their upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle United.

    AC Milan is coming off a demoralising 5-1 loss to their rivals, Inter, in a Serie A match last Saturday. Now, they are aiming for a strong comeback in their Champions League fixture against Newcastle United.

    In a bid to provide inspiration and support for the team, the iconic former Milan forward, Ibrahimovic, visited the training ground.

    During his visit, he engaged in a conversation with manager Stefano Pioli and Pioli’s assistant.

    In June of this year, Ibrahimovic declared his retirement from professional football during AC Milan’s last match of the 2022–23 season, which took place in front of a full San Siro stadium.

    Looking ahead to their Champions League match on Tuesday, Coach Pioli might consider some adjustments to the Milan starting lineup, and there’s a possibility that he will place USMNT star Christian Pulisic on the bench.

  • Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spotted with other stars at the French Open final

    Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spotted with other stars at the French Open final

    Kylian Mbappe was in attendance to witness Novak Djokovic’s historic victory at the 2023 French Open final as the Serbian claimed his 23rd Grand Slam title in Paris.

    Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam wins, solidifying his position as the player with the most major titles, following his triumph over Casper Ruud in the final.

    As reported by Sportskeeda, Mbappe was present at the Court Philippe-Chatrier, watching the Grand Slam final alongside recently retired AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    The event also saw the presence of American football quarterback Tom Brady, who was spotted in Djokovic’s player box, showing his support for the Serbian as he went on to secure victory in the match.

    Boxing legend Mike Tyson was also spotted keenly observing the proceedings on Court Philippe-Chatrier in what was an amazing night for Djokovic, who has now won the first two Grand Slams of the Tennis season.

    Florentino Perez drops Mbappe hint

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has claimed Kylian Mbappe will become a ‘Galactico’ as Los Blancos continue their chase for the French forward, Goal reports.

    Perez appears to have hinted that Mbappe could be enticed to join Spain as a free agent next year after missing out on signing the Paris Saint-Germain forward last summer.

    Real had a €220 million offer for Mbappe on the table at one point in 2021, but PSG turned it down as they fought desperately to keep the talismanic French forward on their books.

    Mbappe wins special award

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Kylian Mbappe was named Ligue 1 Player of the Season for the fourth time in a row on Sunday night.

    The 24-year-old has scored 28 goals in the league this term and is on course to finish as Ligue 1’s top scorer for the fifth season running.

    The Frenchman was crowned in a ceremony in Paris ahead of teammate Lionel Messi, Loïs Openda and Séko Fofana of Lens, and Lille striker Jonathan David.

  • In Photos: AC Milan stars play games, party in ‘sad’ Ibrahimovic’s send-off

    In Photos: AC Milan stars play games, party in ‘sad’ Ibrahimovic’s send-off

    Shortly before the conclusion of the season, Yacine Adli organized a special gathering for his AC Milan teammates, fostering a rare bonding opportunity for the Rossoneri squad and their families.

    The event took place at the French player’s residence, where the team members and their loved ones congregated.

    This lunch gathering is believed to have occurred approximately two weeks prior to AC Milan’s final matches against Juventus and Hellas Verona.

    Notably, prominent stars such as Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leao, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were seen in attendance, adding to the festive atmosphere with vibrant decorations, balloons, and engaging activities like darts.

    Adli has rarely played under Stefan Pioli this season. His last game was a 20-minute cameo in their 2-0 loss to Spezia on May 13.

    Before that, he had played on March 4 in their 2-1 loss to Fiorentina. The 22-year-old was signed from French club, Bordeaux in 2021.

    AC Milan have had a topsy-turvy season. They relinquished their Serie A title to Napoli but managed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League before their city rivals, Inter Milan eliminated them.

    A late upturn in form saw them qualify for the Champions League next season after finishing fourth in the league.

    Their last game of the season was a 3-1 victory against Verona in which veteran striker, Ibrahimovic was given a wonderful and surprisingly teary send-off.

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires from football

    Sports Brief reported that emotions ran high after Ibrahimovic unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional football after AC Milan’s final game of the season.

    His contract is up this summer, and both parties had reportedly decided to mutually call it quits, but no one knew what the Swede’s next steps would be until he revealed them.

    Ibrahimovic was not listed in AC Milan’s matchday squad as he had been battling a knee injury that kept him out of action since April, but was in the crowd at the San Siro Stadium.

  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic, officially retires from professional football at 41

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic, officially retires from professional football at 41

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a 41-year-old Swedish striker who scored 62 goals in 122 international matches and 511 goals in 866 club games, has announced his retirement from football.

    Ibrahimovic informed the crowd at AC Milan’s San Siro that he was saying “goodbye to football, but not to you.”

    At the age of 41, Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced on Sunday that he has decided to retire from football.

    After a season marred by injuries, the striker’s contract with AC Milan expires at the end of June, and he had previously made it clear he would not be extending it.

    Yet on Sunday, the Swedish icon declared that “it’s time to say goodbye to football.”

    A clearly emotional Ibrahimovic was serenaded by the Milan fans who held up a large Tifo spelling out ‘Godbye’ and was then given a guard of honour by his team-mates as he left the pitch.

    Speaking on the pitch at full-time, Ibrahimovic said: “I have so many memories and lived so many emotions in here, the first time I arrived here you gave me happiness. The second time love.

    “I want to thank my family, everyone close to me, for their patience. I want to thank my second family, the players. I want to thank (AC Milan head coach Stefano) Pioli and his staff for the responsibility you have given me. I want to thank the managers for the opportunity.

    “But most important of all: from my heart I want to thank you fans. You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be a Milan fan for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, but not to you.

    “I have too many emotions that are passing through me. See you around, if you’re lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye”.

    The striker started his professional career at Malmo FF in 1999 and left for Ajax Amsterdam in 2001 before embarking on a career that has included leading European teams including Manchester United, Inter Milan and Milan.

    Ibrahimovic arrived in Milan for his second spell with the club in early 2020, having won the Scudetto with them in 2011, and helped them win the title again last season.

    Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 121 matches, quit the national team after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign.

    Earlier in the evening Rafael Leao had celebrated his second, and Milan’s third, goal of the game by celebrating with the veteran striker on the sidelines. AC Milan beat Hellas Verona 3-1.

    Ibrahimovic’s emotional goodbye in pictures
    Ibrahimovic was visibly moved to tears while addressing fans at the San Siro
    Image:Ibrahimovic was visibly moved to tears while addressing fans at the San Siro
    Rafael Leao celebrated his second, and Milan's third, goal of their 3-1 win over Verona on the touchline
    Image:Rafael Leao celebrated his second, and Milan’s third, goal of their 3-1 win over Verona on the touchline
    Fans spelt out 'Godbye' in a large Tifo taking up the second tier of the stadium
    Image:Fans spelt out ‘Godbye’ in a large Tifo taking up the second tier of the stadium
    Ibrahimovic gave a speech to fans at the end of the final game of his Milan contract - and career
    Image:Ibrahimovic gave a speech to fans at the end of the final game of his Milan contract – and career
    Ibrahimovic was presented with an AC Milan shirt signed by his team-mates at the end of the game
    Image:Ibrahimovic was presented with an AC Milan shirt signed by his team-mates at the end of the game
  • AC Milan confirms Ibrahimovic’s leave at season’s end

    AC Milan confirms Ibrahimovic’s leave at season’s end

    After AC Milan’s season finale against Verona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will depart the Serie A team, the club announced on Saturday.

    “Tomorrow (Sunday) evening after the final game of the season… AC Milan will say goodbye to Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a brief ceremony,” Milan said in a statement.

    “AC Milan would like to thank Zlatan for the magnificent time that we have spent together.”

    Ibrahimovic was a key figure in Milan’s resurgence to the top of Italian football after his return to the club as a free agent in late 2019, helping to bring them back from the doldrums and eventually win Serie A last season.

    Ibrahimovic Zlatan

    However he has hardly featured for Stefano Pioli’s side this term after being plagued with injuries, returning in February following surgery on his left knee in May.

    The 41-year-old has only started one match for Milan this term, in a 3-1 win at Udinese in March in which he became the oldest goal scorer in Serie A history.

    He then picked up a calf injury in a pre-match warm up in April and will end his Milan career sidelined due to the knock.

    Ibrahimovic also won the Scudetto with Milan in 2011, which had been their most recent league title until pipping local rivals Inter Milan on the final day of last season.

  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic soon to bid goodbye to AC Milan

    Famous Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly planning to leave AC Milan at the end of the season 

    After playing for LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, Zlatan returned to the Italian giants in 2019.

    Sportbible reports that the 41-year-old had a productive two-year stay at San Siro, where he helped the team win the Serie A championship the previous season.

    However, the former Manchester United and Barcelona striker has endured a frustrating campaign with Milan this season, with injuries taking a toll on him.

    As a result, the 41-year-old has managed just four appearances for Rossoneri this term, scoring just once thus far.

    Ibrahimovic linked with AC Milan exit

    Reports in Italy now claim AC Milan are looking to part company with the veteran striker at the end of this season.

    Foot Mercato claims the club are not looking to offer him a new contract once the current one expires this summer.

    Despite his advanced age, Ibrahimovic looks set to continue playing at the top level, with Italian top-flight side Monza said to be keen on his services.

    Monza are currently placed 13th in the Serie A standings and are keen to reinforce their squad at the end of the campaign.

    Zlatan reignites row with Lukaku

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Zlatan Ibrahimovic has seemingly revisited his differences with Romelu Lukaku months after the duo faced off during the Milan derby in Italy.

  • AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic endorses Antonio Conte amid Tottenham’s ties to Julian Nagelsmann

    AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic endorses Antonio Conte amid Tottenham’s ties to Julian Nagelsmann

    After Zlatan Ibrahimovic jumped to Antonio Conte’s defence, he received unexpected support. Conte is currently under fire, with his job at Tottenham possibly on the line after making explosive comments last weekend.

    After Spurs blew a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton, the Italian lashed out at the players and club CEO Daniel Levy.

    Spurs are expected to crack the whip on the former Chelsea manager in the near future.

    While many would agree that Conte’s comments were necessary, others would argue that publicly criticising his club was inappropriate.

    Sports Brief has previously documented how Conte’s misery in North London might be his own doing.

    Ibrahimovic backs Conte As the discussion rages on, Ibrahimovic has thrown his weight behind the 53-year-old.

    The bullish Swedish striker maintained that people ought to speak their minds without caring about the possible repercussions.

    “Every person works in his own way. I believe in being yourself, but sometimes you pay for it because it’s not what people want to hear,” as quoted by Sky Sports.

    Nagelsmann to replace Conte?

    Conte’s contract runs until the end of the season and it is now highly unlikely that he will renew. Sports Brief reported that Tottenham Hotspur just might have been offered a superb chance to land a top manager after Julian Nagelsmann’s departure from Bayern Munich.

    Despite guiding Bayern to the Champions League quarter-finals, the Bavarians coach has put the team in unfamiliar territory in the league, as they find themselves in a three-way battle for the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund and surprise packages, Union Berlin.

    The youthful coach could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Spurs, as he has a reputation for bringing the very best out of fairly young players.

    Notably, Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig thrashed Tottenham 4-0 as the German became the youngest manager to win a Champions League knockout tie back in 2019.

  • Pioli thrilled about Ibrahimovic and Maignan’s return

    Pioli thrilled about Ibrahimovic and Maignan’s return

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mike Maignan made their comebacks in Milan’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday, and Stefano Pioli praised their performances.

    Ibrahimovic entered the game in the second half for the first time since May 2022, when he underwent knee surgery that many believed would put an end to his career.

    Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maignan made his first appearance in goal since suffering an injury of his own in September and celebrated his return with a shutout.

    Pioli is happy toe all of his players back, and the return of the pair comes at the perfect time for Milan, who have won four straight matches across all competitions.

    “Mike and Zlatan are not only two excellent players, but also two leaders of the team,” Pioli, who was taking charge of his 800th career game as a coach, told DAZN. 

    “Having them on the pitch helps us a lot. Now we must think about the next match. We will have players absent for that game but will still put in a good performance.”

    At 41 years and 146 days, Ibrahimovic overtook Alessandro Costacurta (41y, 25d) as Milan’s oldest player in Serie A in the three-points-per-win era (1993-94 season).

    The veteran striker only had 14 touches of the ball in his 16 minutes in action and did not manage a shot, but Milan’s second goal arrived with him on the field.

    Junior Messias clipped the ball over Juan Musso, who had earlier scored an unfortunate own goal when Theo Hernandez’s 25-yard volley hit the post and went in off his body.

    It was a brilliant strike from Hernandez after Olivier Giroud had nodded the ball into his path, and the wing-back believes he should be credited with the goal himself.

    “I consider it my goal,” he said. “I’m going to count it as mine. Thanks also to Oli for knocking it down for me. It was a good goal.

    “It’s true that we went through a difficult time, but with this victory, we are getting back to being the Milan we were before.”

    Milan have now won four games without conceding in all competitions for the first time since February 2018, with their latest victory moving them level with second-place Inter.

    The Rossoneri wasted a number of good chances with the game at 1-0, but Atalanta failed to offer any sort of attacking threat.

    Indeed, they had only three attempts all match – their lowest tally since April 2013 – and did not test the returning Maignan on a single occasion.

    “We gave our all and tried everything, but Milan were superior on the night and we must learn from these games to focus on the next one,” Gian Piero Gasperini said. 

    “What we saw tonight was that despite our best efforts, it is evident Milan simply had more than we did.”

    The only blemish for Milan is that Rafael Leao – who set up Messias’ goal – and Rade Krunic will miss next week’s trip to Fiorentina after being booked for the fifth time this term.

  • Ibrahimovic insists he is still a big shot for Milan

    Ibrahimovic insists he is still a big shot for Milan

    After making his comeback in Milan’s win over Atalanta following a nine-month injury layoff, Zlatan Ibrahimovic compared himself to basketball player Nikola Jokic.

    The dependable striker entered in the second half of Sunday’s 2-0 victory at San Siro after going unused in three previous games this month.

    At 41 years and 146 days, he broke the record for the oldest Serie A player for Milan during the three-points-per-win era (since 1993–94), Alessandro Costacurta (41y and 25d).

    Similar to Denver Nuggets’ two-time NBA MVP Jokic, the international player from Sweden believes he still has a significant role to play even though he will turn 42 later this year.

    “I want to help the team in every way by doing what I have to do to be there on the field,” he told Sky Sports. “I want to be there when the coach and the team need me.

    “It’s obvious things change between the age of 30 and 41, but I feel like Jokic in the NBA.”

    Ibrahimovic’s previous appearance for Milan came in a 3-0 win over Sassuolo on May 25 last year, with the former Barcelona striker injuring his knee and undergoing surgery.

    Given his age at the time of the operation and the length of the layoff, many expected Ibrahimovic to call time on his legendary career.

    “I’ve lived this year with great suffering,” he said when asked what it means to be back playing again at the highest level. “I’ve been out for a year. 

    “I didn’t feel well, and I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I went on suffering to help the team, but in reality, I wasn’t well. 

    “Today I can say that I’m fine and that I can give what I can to the team. Then obviously the more you play, the more you train, and the more you improve.”

    Juan Musso’s own goal—after Theo Hernandez’s volley hit the post and went in off the goalkeeper’s back—and Junior Messias’ late strike earned Milan a fourth win in a row.

    That includes three Serie A wins on the spin without conceding for the first time in a year, helping to lift the Rossoneri level on points with second-place rivals Inter.

    It has been a largely disappointing campaign on the whole for Milan as they are 18 points adrift of leaders Napoli, something Ibrahimovic suggested may be down to his absence.

    “I’ve done everything I can to recover, but in the last few weeks I’ve seen the team do well,” he said. “We must continue doing more if we are to do well.

    “I feel important and have a great responsibility here. I started an adventure with this team and helped to bring it where we are today. 

    “When I’m not available, I suffer, and perhaps the team lacks a bit of my pressure as a result.”

  • Schmeichel says Haaland is a combination of Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic

    Erling Haaland shares many of the same qualities as Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Peter Schmeichel, who has described the Manchester City man as several top strikers “put into one player”.

    Haaland produced an incredible display as City swatted aside Manchester United for a 6-3 derby win on Sunday, scoring a treble and teeing up two goals for fellow hat-trick hero Phil Foden.

    The Norwegian – who has scored 14 goals in his first eight Premier League appearances – has now scored a hat-trick in three successive home league games, becoming the first player to do so in the competition’s history.

    After watching Haaland tear United apart at the Etihad Stadium, Schmeichel picked out similarities between the 22-year-old and several striking legends.

    “The biggest part of a good striker is patience. I played against some of the best strikers, and when they go missing is when you really have to concentrate,” the former United and City goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “The Cristiano Ronaldos, the Filippo Inzaghis of this world – they disappear then all of a sudden they get the chance.

    “When you look at Haaland, you see different players. That Zlatan-like goal, and Ronaldo is in there too. You see top, top strikers in one.

    “That is why he is so dangerous. He has the luxury of seeing many top strikers and they are all put into one player.”

    Haaland’s dominant display on Sunday saw him become just the 25th player to record five goal involvements in a Premier League game – and the youngest to ever do so (22 years, 73 days).

    In Haaland and team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, City have the highest goalscorer and top assist-maker in Europe’s top five leagues this season (in all competitions).

    Haaland has already found the net 17 times this season, with five of those strikes being laid on by De Bruyne, who has a total of 10 assists in 2022-23.

    Source: Livescore

  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic says statue vandals are ‘kindergarten level’

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic says people who vandalised a statue of him earlier this year are “at kindergarten level” and that his story will “remain forever”.

    The AC Milan striker is training at Swedish club Hammarby while Italy is in lockdown during the coronavirus crisis.

    After he invested in Hammarby last year, vandals repeatedly defaced a statue of him outside boyhood club and rivals Malmo before it was eventually toppled and removed in January.

    “It’s a shame,” Ibrahimovic told Dplay.

    “They want attention and want the media to write about it – it’s at kindergarten level and we’re bigger than that.”

    Talking about the vandalisation for the first time, he added: “The statue was what it was, but that doesn’t mean that my story will be torn down, it will remain forever.”

    Former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic, 38, made his professional debut for Malmo 20 years ago but bought a 25% stake in Hammarby in November.

    Ibrahimovic, who scored during a televised training match for Hammarby on Friday, said he now felt he had been “too kind” to Malmo by giving them 100m Swedish krona (£8.05m).

    “I played for Malmo and I did what I did for Malmo, even though I was not welcome and was not wanted,” said Ibrahimovic, who left the club to join Ajax in 2001.

    “They should be grateful, and those who know it, they know it.”

    The former Juventus and Barcelona player rejoined Milan on a six-month deal in December after leaving LA Galaxy.

    When asked about his future, Ibrahimovic said he will “see what happens” after he is able to return to Milan.

    The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has said Serie A could return in late May or early June, having been suspended since 9 March.

    “I have a contract with Milan and we will see how it ends there, if it ends,” said Ibrahimovic.

    “I want to play football for as long as I can and be able to contribute something, not just play for what I have done or who I am.

    “We’ll see what happens – who knew coronavirus would come and turn the world upside down in two weeks?”

     

  • Ibrahimovic breaks Serie A win record as AC Milan resurgence continues

    The 38-year-old needed just 222 games to reach the milestone of 150 victories, overtaking former Inter star Esteban Cambiasso Zlatan Ibrahimovic reached a mileston 150 Serie A wins and set a new record in doing so when he helped AC Milan beat Udinese 3-2 on Sunday.

    The San Siro outfit are unbeaten in the three games in which the 38-year-old striker has appeared since re-joining the club at the start of January.

    An Ante Rebic double and a goal from Theo Hernandez edged the Rossoneri past Udinese for a second straight league win.

    Read:10 players with the most Champions League goals

    While Ibrahimovic was not among the goals, it was a special result for the former Sweden star, as he became the fastest player to reach 150 wins in the Italian top-flight since the three points for a win era began.

    The former Inter and Juventus hero needed just 222 games to claim his 150th victory, putting him well ahead of former midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who needed eight more games to reach that number of wins. Italy international Lorenzo Insigne was the third fastest, taking 232 games to get there with Napoli.

    Ibrahimovic’s career in Italy began when he joined Juventus from Ajax in 2004 and went on to win two Serie A titles, though both were later revoked in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal.

    Read:AC Milan make Ibrahimovic offer to return

    After two years with Juve, he switched to their fierce rivals Inter and enjoyed a successful three years, winning three league crowns and a Supercoppa Italiana.

    An ill-fated move to Barcelona followed in 2009 and he lasted just one year in Pep Guardiola’s squad before he was loaned and then sold to AC Milan, where he went on to claim another Scudetto.

    Back for a second spell at the club after spending time at Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and LA Galaxy, Ibrahimovic has helped Stefano Pioli’s men climb up to seventh in Serie A. They are just two points behind Cagliari, who occupy the last Europa League spot.

    Source: Goal.com