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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed that he is learning plenty from his new role at AC Milan, while also commenting on the demands placed on players.
Ibrahimovic was appointed as a ‘Consultant to the Milan ownership’ by RedBird in December 2023, and there have been some questions about what his role entails. The Swede himself has never been able to answer that question without cracking jokes.
What is apparent though is that he does have a big influence in matters, as seen by the reports stating that he helped convince Christopher Nkunku and Ardon Jashari to join in the summer.
The 32nd General Assembly of the ECA (European Club Association) – the body representing football clubs at the European level – is taking place in Rome (from 7 to 9 October 2025). Ibrahimovic, the Senior Advisor to RedBird and AC Milan’s Senior Management, is also present today.
He spoke on stage about a number of different topics, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Are there too many risks with players?
“As a former footballer, I tell you I want to play as much as possible. When there are fewer games, people want more games; when there are more games, people complain about there being too many games, but I think playing a lot of games is good for the players.
“However, you need to protect them, organise everything well, and create a schedule that suits their needs. Each team has about 25 players, but they can have more if they want. So if you don’t use everyone and you always stick with the same 11, it can be difficult.
“Then there are the national teams, where you play with pride because you represent your country: here too, if you respect the players’ needs, everything can go smoothly. As long as the schedules make sense, anything is possible.
“The new Champions League format is a fantastic idea, and what do the fans want to see? More games. Today, training and preparation are at a really high and professional level; I’m not worried about all these games.”
How much fun are you having in this new chapter of your life?
“A lot. I’m learning a lot. Now I look at everything from a different perspective. To be honest, I don’t feel the same adrenaline, and that’s why I go to the gym every day (smiles). Anyway, yes, I’m learning a lot. It’s a new way of looking at things.
“When I was still a footballer, I thought: ‘Why can’t we do this? Why can’t we do that?’ Now I’m on the other side of the table and I understand everything. Now I’m more realistic.”
How does the season structure matter when you’re trying to win everything?
“Up until January, everything you did was fine. But then January and February come, and that’s when you have to be on top of things. Obviously, there’s also a bit of luck involved… Do you want me to say I would have liked to win the Champions League? It’s no secret.
“But people remember me who didn’t win it more than 90% of the players who did (smiles). I’m happy that PSG won it, but I think the hardest thing to do is win again, to confirm that.”
Who will win the World Cup?
“Good question. Sweden haven’t qualified… I hope to win Brazil for my friend Ancelotti, I’m rooting for them. Everything he touches turns to gold, let’s see if he can do the same with Brazil.”
English (US) ·