2 weeks ago
30
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted that he will always be an AC Milan fan because of what the club has given to him over the years.
Ibrahimovic played for some top clubs during his career such as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, but it is probably at Milan where he is best remembered. He won two league titles in two different spells with the Rossoneri, and then returned as a Senior Advisor after hanging up his boots.
After going silent in recent months, the Swede seems to be doing the media rounds again. He spoke recently in interviews with La Gazzetta dello Sport and at the Festival Dello Sport, while late last night another one was conducted.
Ibrahimovic tells all
During the first episode of ‘This Is Me’ – a talk show programme broadcast on Canale 5 – Ibrahimovic spoke about a number of topics to do with his past at Milan and his present too. MilanNews relayed his words.
What emotions did you feel on the day of your farewell?
“It was a very special day because the day before they explained the program to me, but I said, ‘I don’t want to know anything’. Emotions have to come out spontaneously. It wasn’t easy. Before deciding to quit, I was scared, because I’ve always played football, but I accepted.
“I’m lucky with the Milan fans, because they welcomed me the first time with happiness, then with love. The last Scudetto I won was the most satisfying of my career. Then my former team-mates also made things difficult for me.
“When I stood on the pitch talking, I hoped to find strength in them, but they started crying. Then I tried to find strength in my wife, who was also crying. So, my last chance was the fans, who were also crying, and so it all came from the heart.”
You’ll be a Milan fan forever then?
“Forever. Because I’ll never forget what Milan gave me. They gave me happiness. The second time, it was just love, because it was a situation where it wasn’t about getting but about giving.
“I was playing with players 20 years younger than me. I miss the adrenaline rush on the pitch, but once you’ve accepted, you try to find another rush, but it’ll never be the same.”
Your kids also play football…
“Yes, obviously it’s not easy for them, but they have this mentality that they’re stronger than me, already. It might help, but for my ego I’d say it’s impossible, but the important thing is that they’re healthy and well. They’re doing it for themselves, not for me.”
You’ve also experienced episodes of racism.
“I remember that day [Roma vs. Milan, 2021]. 50,000 people were shouting ‘You’re a gypsy’ after the goal. I pretend not to hear because I wanted even more, because that way they pumped me up. When I was on the pitch and the hate came my way, I did even more, because I needed motivation.
“Then when the crowd started doing it, I thought in my head ‘Louder, louder, louder’. Then the referee booked me, which I don’t understand. They attack me, but it wasn’t the first time it happened to me.
“If you have to look at racism, you have to look at the whole package, not just one part because it has more impact than another.”
What do you say to someone with a tough personality?
“If you know me, I have a really big heart, and it’s hard to get into.”
What do you teach your children?
“They live a different life than others, because dad is known. He was a great player, if not the greatest (laughs). But I’m trying to share the professional Ibra with dad.
“Life is easier, simpler, because they can do more than I did. What I teach them is discipline, respect, and independence. If they succeed in this, it means I’ve done my dad’s job well.”
What have you learned from life?
“To get there, you have to work. Nothing is free in life, and if you work, things will come.”
English (US) ·