Ibrahimovic Slows Down in Rehab from Injury ahead of Juventus Match

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 12, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not rush the return from his latest injury. The Swedish star is dealing with a sore Achilles tendon and vowed to be more cautious than in other past instances. “I do not want to risk more serious consequences. I wish to stay healthy for the entire season in order to be always available. It would be detrimental to play against Juventus and then miss a few more matches afterward. I will listen to my body without thinking to be Superman this time. My problem is that I work too hard because I like to suffer.”

Ibrahimovic talked to the press during an event organized by a sponsor. “Having the right mentality is key. I have it, but the physique does not always follow. Unfortunately, they are not always on the same page. I think I conveyed this mindset to my teammates. They understand what it takes to reach what we want. We finished second last season, which means that we are still missing something to win. The squad knows it, and we are working every day to improve. Everybody is very hungry and motivated. We have enough quality.” 

Ibrahimovic jokingly added that Franck Kessié would no longer take penalty kicks after the error against Lazio. “The other day, I asked who had played in the Champions League, and only two or three raised their hands. I thought it was a joke, but it was true. That is why we need to push ourselves. That competition has a special energy and adrenaline.”

Ibrahimovic also touched on the Super League: “Many clubs paid the price when COVID hit economically-speaking, and they searched for a quick profit. However, nobody asked the players what they wanted. That is where the organizers made a mistake.”