Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made his way back into soccer, but it’s not the way fans might think. One of the greatest players of his time, Ibrahimovic announced his retirement earlier this year. He had a decorated career playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. However, after more than two decades as a professional soccer player, Zlatan has returned, but this time, in a different role.
According to the Financial Times, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has joined as an advisor at AC Milan. Zlatan would reportedly be working as an advisor closely with the club’s principal owner, RedBird Capital Partners. Celebrating his new association with his former club, Zlatan reportedly said, “RedBird has partnered with some of the greatest athletes, teams, and business figures in the world to create businesses with meaning and impact.”
🚨🔴⚫️ Zlatan Ibrahimović, set to complete his 3rd comeback at AC Milan… as part of the board.
Ibrahimović will work closely with AC Milan owner RedBird & Gerry Cardinale to help the club and the group in the upcoming months/years.
🇸🇪 Announcement and details expected shortly. pic.twitter.com/xuakg0C2nx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2023
He further talked about his desire to keep contributing to the club’s activities across their sports, media, and entertainment properties. Zlatan had two stints at AC Milan during his days as a soccer player. He initially joined the club in the 2010-11 season on loan from FC Barcelona. He signed with the club permanently next season and spent one year at the club.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the Italian giants again in 2020 and remained there till 2023. He ended AC Milan’s 11-year-long wait for the league championship by winning the Serie A in 2022. During his time with the Rossoneri, Ibrahimovic scored 93 goals and provided 35 assists in 163 appearances. He won the Serie A twice and the Supercoppa Italiana once.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from AC Milan in 2023
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s soccer career is as unique as it gets. He played 24 years as a professional soccer player and played at clubs like FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester United, PSG, Juventus, Ajax, and so on. However, a series of injuries forced Ibrahimovic to hang up his boots at the age of 41.
After the end of the 2022 season, Ibrahimovic underwent surgery on his knee after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, he returned a few months later and signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan. However, unable to find his form and being constantly plagued with injuries, Ibrahimovic finally bade farewell to his soccer career.
Z.L.A.T.A.N. 🍷@acmilan pic.twitter.com/xfmDhRVeK2
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) June 4, 2023
In an emotional farewell at the iconic San Siro stadium, Zlatan said, “I say goodbye to football, but not to you.” He thanked the AC Milan supporters, the club, and his teammates for their love and support. However, before ending his speech, Ibrahimovic assured the fans of his return by saying, “I’ll see you around if you’re lucky.” It appears as if Zlatan didn’t take much time to keep his promise and end the AC Milan fans’ wait.