In a recent article published here at the Cult of Calcio, we revealed the best XI lineup consisted of players who are above the age of 35. Naturally, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was among the easiest choices in the formation, as the Milan striker has maintained an incredible physical shape at the age of 39.
The Swedish giant has managed to turn the Rossoneri‘s fortunes upside down since joining the club almost 12 months ago, as Stefano Pioli’s side currently sits at the top of the Serie A table.
This season, Zlatan missed a large percentage of the matches due to Covid-19 and then throughout an injury, however, he was still able to score 14 goals in just 11 Serie A appearances this term.
So what’s the secret behind the former Juventus and Inter striker’s ability to average more than a goal per match while closing on his 40th birthday?
According to his Milan teammate Matteo Gabbia, the recipe behind the success of Ibrahimovic is a pretty simple one, composed of training, training, and some more training.
The 20-year-old was speaking to the students of the Marco Pantani sports high school, and here’s what he said according to MilanNews.
” Zlatan arrives an hour and a half before the training session and leaves an hour and a half after its ending.
” If he’s able to work that hard at the age of 39, after all the successes he has achieved throughout his career, then I must be able to do the same at the age of 20,” added the young defender.
” In this sense, Zlatan is an example, as he always gives his best to be at a top physical shape. We must understand that hard work is the key behind every success” concluded Gabbia.
Milan will travel to meet Spezia on Saturday night, where Ibrahimovic will have the chance to extend his goal-scoring run.