Zlatan Ibrahimovic is eager to be available for Sunday’s clash against Napoli after missing a month. He has been dealing with Achilles’ soreness, and he and the medical staff have been very cautious thus far. He has been improving in the past two weeks and has resumed training on the pitch. He wants to be present at least on the bench for the key game, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
The 40-year-old has taken it slow since he is nursing a tricky issue. However, he had earmarked this match for his return when he got hurt. He had one of his best performances against the Azzurri during his second spell with Milan last year. He will have to practice at least partially with the rest of his teammates to be among the call-ups. He would not be a lock to feature even if that happened, but he would be a valuable presence in any capacity.
Ibrahimovic recently vowed to continue playing with the Rossoneri until they won a trophy. The management is on the same page, as they want to re-up his contract. According to the publication, it will not be a problem to agree on the length and wages of his next deal. At this point, Ibrahimovic plays to have fun and has found a home in Milan.
The club is even open to him staying after he retires, as director Paolo Maldini hinted in recent comments. He could assume a role similar to Javier Zanetti’s one at Inter or become an ambassador of the team, like Franco Baresi. A more operational position, like club manager, linking up the front office and the squad could suit him too, Gazzetta speculates. He has taken a few youngsters under his wing in his return to Italy.