In a pre-match interview with DAZN before the highly anticipated Milan derby, former AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic addressed recent criticisms and expressed his support for current manager Paulo Fonseca.
When asked about the criticism he’s faced in recent weeks, Ibrahimovic brushed it off, stating, “No, nothing serious. Criticism is part of the job and responsibility. Then there’s talk about my role, which doesn’t matter – what matters is Milan and only Milan.” He added with a laugh, “Then I can’t make jokes because not everyone understands them, so I have to be careful.”
The Swedish icon emphasized his focus on the team’s success rather than personal accolades: “We work, it’s not a demanding job, I like it and I’m growing in this situation. Then the important thing is the team, Milan, not me. We do it as a team, as one unit.”
Addressing the team’s current form, Ibrahimovic expressed confidence in their ability to overcome challenges: “As for the moment, the team situation, we’ve overcome this moment before and even less well than this moment, and we’ll do it again this time.”
When asked if the derby could be crucial for Fonseca’s future, Ibrahimovic firmly rejected the notion: “Absolutely not. Today is all focus on the match. There are no thoughts for other things and no one has talked about it, there is only the match and nothing else in anyone’s mind.”
The interview concluded with a brief comment on his son, Ibra Jr., with Ibrahimovic stating, “The important thing is that he is happy, I support him as a dad. He must continue to work, I am proud of him and happy.”
