Zlatan Ibrahimovic held his first press conference as part of the Milan management, announcing the clubs plans for the future. Ibra has been appointed as a senior advisor for RedBird, and explained his vision for the clubs immediate future, as well as the reasons for Fonseca appointment:
Ibrahimovic on His Role and Milan’s Future
Ibrahimovic shared insights into his new role at Milan and the vision for the club. “After my retirement from football, I felt a new kind of freedom. When I got a call from Furlani to visit Milanello, it all started very amicably. Eventually, I met with Gerry Cardinale, and he proposed I join Milan as an operating partner with RedBird. I made it clear that I am here to build a winning project. Gerry welcomed me, and that’s how we started.”
Why Fonseca?
Ibrahimovic confirmed the appointment of Paulo Fonseca as Milan’s new coach, replacing Stefano Pioli. “We thank Pioli for his contributions, but after five years, we wanted something new. Fonseca fits our criteria perfectly. He brings a dominant and offensive playing style, and we believe he can bring fresh energy to San Siro.”
Zirkzee and Transfers
Discussing transfer targets, Ibrahimovic mentioned Joshua Zirkzee as a strong candidate. “With Giroud gone, we need a new striker. Zirkzee is strong and had a great season. The rumors about him are true. We’re actively looking to strengthen the squad to compete for trophies both in Italy and Europe.”
The Stars Are Staying
Ibrahimovic reassured fans about the futures of key players. “Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan, and Rafael Leao are staying. They are among the best in their positions, happy at Milan, and we don’t need to sell. Thanks to RedBird’s support, we can focus on bringing in players to improve our squad.”
Optimism and Strategy
Ibrahimovic expressed his optimism for Milan’s future. “We have a young and hungry management team. Our strategy is to follow a smart, controlled approach. We want to win trophies, and Milan’s history demands it. We don’t make empty promises; our focus is on consistent hard work.”
On the New Stadium
Ibrahimovic also touched upon plans for a new stadium. “Gerry Cardinale has a visionary approach. The idea of a new stadium is fantastic, and Milan fans deserve a ‘wow’ experience. Our aim is to create something special.”
Challenges and Ambitions
Ibrahimovic acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the ambition within the club. “We are working towards winning the Champions League. It’s about making a difference with our ideas and vision. We are building from the ground up, ensuring we remain at the top with sustained effort.”
