Zlatan Ibrahimovic set for return to football
Tom Weber
- Updated: 26 Sept 2023 16:48 BST
- 3 min read
Recently-retired Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could soon make his return to football, according to Italian media.
The 41-year-old, somewhat surprisingly, announced his retirement from football in the summer, having returned to AC Milan for a second spell after leaving the LA Galaxy in 2019.
Ibrahimovic was part of the Milan team that won the Scudetto in 2021/22 and, despite his age, he still managed to score 34 goals in 64 appearances during his second stint. However, injuries ultimately took their toll and Ibrahimovic made the decision to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career.
READ: Milan target another USMNT star
But now, just mere months after leaving AC Milan, the Swede could return for a third stint with the club.
Role lined up
That is at least what Calciomercato claims. The 41-year-old was recently spotted at Milan's training ground after the Rossoneri were on the wrong side of a 5-1 derby shellacking by Inter. According to the report, owner Gerry Cardinale met with Zlatan last week and "reiterated his desire to have him back home."
Ibrahimovic's children play in Milan's youth system, so working with the club again would make sense, and the fact that the legendary Paolo Maldini left his role as team manager recently means that there is a perfect job ready for the taking.
READ: Rafael Leao provides latest transfer update amid Liverpool & Real Madrid interest
The plan would be for the former Barcelona man to work closely with the head coach, acting as a kind of intermediary between the dressing room and the boss. "Cardinale knows that Milan need a figure who knows every corner of Milanello and the dynamics of the locker room inside out."
But Ibrahimovic won't be rushed into making a decision. "Ibra wants to take his time to evaluate everything," writes the Italian outlet. Cardinale and Ibrahimovic will meet again later this year to discuss the topic further.
