Bola.net – AC Milan’s veteran striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic officially announced his retirement after the match against Verona on Monday (5/6/2023). AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli tried to give the best farewell to the legend.
Ibrahimovic decided to retire at AC Milan at the age of 41 years. Ibra’s decision to retire was certainly very touching for all AC Milan fans. Because the original player Sweden This has a great service in raising the name of AC Milan again as a top team Liga Italia.
Ibra himself made a big contribution in the 2021/22 season when AC Milan was successful Scudetto last got it 11 years ago. Pioli, who coached Ibra that season, admitted that he was very grateful for the player’s great service.
“He’s a great footballer, a very intelligent person. He’s a champion, I’m very sad because I can’t coach him anymore. Zlatan is a winner, a fighter and it’s not easy for him,” Pioli explained Football Italia.
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Ibra is difficult to train
AC Milan player Zlatan Ibrahimovic and coach Stefano Pioli (c) AP Photo
Interesting facts were revealed by Pioli when he gave his last greetings to Ibrahimovic. Pioli said that the former PSG striker was a difficult player to train.
But the difficulties are due to Ibra’s high level and experience in football. Pioli even explained that he listened more often than he spoke when dealing with Ibra.
“Conversations are constant and not always easy, but I know I’m dealing with someone of a high level, who always says what he feels and what’s on his mind and who speaks for the good of the team.”
“Sometimes I speak little and listen a lot, but Zlatan has a great personality,” continued Pioli.
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Ibra’s Great Influence
Zlatan Ibrahimovic bids farewell to AC Milan and marks the end of his career as a professional footballer (c) AP Photo/Antonio Calanni
Even though it was difficult to train Ibra, Pioli considered the player to be very influential in his team. This is because Ibra is the most senior player and has the highest flying hours at AC Milan.
Pioli explained that Ibra’s presence had a great influence, especially on the mentality of the younger players. This contribution was recognized by Pioli as one of the factors in the rise of AC Milan in the last few seasons.
“Zlatan was so good he made sure everyone was ready to play as a team even when he wasn’t there, big credit has to go to him.
“They (AC Milan players) are no longer the children he (Ibra) found in 2020, but mature men, with negative and positive experiences. It won’t be easy to start again without him,” added Pioli.
Ibra himself has donated two Italian League trophies and one Italian Super Cup trophy. Ibra appeared sharp while wearing the black and red uniform by scoring 93 goals in 163 matches.
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Italian league standings
Source: Italian Football and Transfermarkt
Author: Ahmad Daerobby
