The future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still up in the air, with reports emerging of a potential move to Monza. However, the veteran striker has not ruled out staying at Milan for another year. The Swede will see his contract expire at the end of the month, and Paolo Maldini, according to Ibra, holds the key to his future.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) in an exclusive interview, Ibrahimovic revealed his intention to continue playing a the highest level despite his recent fitness setbacks.
“I’m not a quitter. But there must also be joy in what you do, I can’t help but have peace in what I know how to do as a number one, playing football. I think I still have a lot to give. Do I think about quitting? I don’t think so. Do I have to continue playing? I think so. But I have to find balance as in life: if you don’t have serenity, stability, you are a bomb, and bombs explode.”
Zlatan Ibrahimović: “Monza told me that they’ve the contract ready for me. But… I’m Milan player and I’m proud of that”. ?? #transfers
“I don’t think I’m gonna retire at the end of the season. But I have to find a good balance”.
Zlatan’s current contract expires this month. pic.twitter.com/01FGoIVoTY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 2, 2023
41-year-old Ibrahimovic then disclosed what lies ahead in the coming weeks, with regard to his future at the Rossoneri.
“I don’t know what happens in the club. I know that I’m fine at Milan, Milan is my home. I don’t know anything about my contract. Last year I said to Paolo: you do it. And I got a sheet to sign. I don’t know what’s inside, maybe there’s another year. It’s enough for me to know that I’m a Milan player and then I know what I have to do. The rest doesn’t matter to me. All I care about is getting back to field, otherwise the joy diminishes. It’s as if one goes to work and doesn’t have an office. I haven’t had an office for two years. I still feel like it, but balance is needed.”
Finally, Ibrahimovic dished on the rumors involving Monza, from where Adriano Galliani is reported to have eyed the striker for his services.
“Galliani has been calling me every day for three years and he always tells me that Monza is beautiful. That the nature is beautiful, and that the contract is already on the table. But we’re not there: I’m a Milan player and I’m proud of it. At a certain age there’s no more ego, you don’t need to prove it. Like Laureus, you do it to give, not to receive. I’m here to help Milan, not like now. I want to be on the pitch, I can help a lot more there.”
Ibrahimovic has been restricted to just 144 minutes of game time this season under Stefano Pioli across four matches. It remains
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