AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is confident that AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be leaving the Serie A champions any time soon. This news comes after the Swede openly hinted at an early retirement from the game.
Ibrahimovic who was largely responsible for Milan’s Serie A triumph last season, openly stated in an interview last week that he was getting old and that football had become more of a routine job for him.
Ibrahimovic is only 30 years old and still has a few more years left in him. Moreover, he is Milan’s best hope of retaining the title this year. With injuries to Brazilian duo Pato and Robinho (who is yet to feature for Milan this season), a lot of hope has been placed on Ibrahimovic to try and help the champions get past their horrendous Serie A title defense.
Speaking to Italian sports daily Gazzetta Dello Sport, Allegri was quick to put into perspective Ibra’s comments and assure fans that rumours surrounding a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid was false.
“Sometimes words can be misinterpreted,”
“I don’t believe that Ibrahimovic is tired because the season has only just started.
“He and everyone else at Milan want to return to get results like last season. I am convinced that Zlatan wants to remain at Milan and return to win with this club.”
Since Eto’o high profile move to Russian side Anzi in the summer, Ibrahimovic has become the top earner in the league with an annual salary in the region of 9 million Euros. His current contract with Milan runs out in 2015.
It is widely believed that should the Swede see out the rest of his contract with Milan, then it will probably be the last club he plays for. Despite the controversy that often surrounds him, Ibra’s talent cannot be doubted. The Swede has had a glittering career that has seen him play for major clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona and Milan.
That said, Milan’s outcome at the end of this season could greatly influence Ibra’s choice to stay with the Italian giants.
Photo Credit © A.C. Milan