Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri wants a reduced squad at San Siro next season – but one that includes Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri wants a reduced squad at San Siro next season – but one that includes Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Both players have been linked with exits over recent weeks, with Manchester City apparently interested in the duo.
Allegri, though, has insisted that his plans for 2012-13 include the Brazilian stopper and the Swedish striker.
“Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva will stay,” the former Cagliari boss told Milan Channel.
“The club and especially the President want to maintain the team at its high levels. Ibra and Thiago are two champions, a base on which the club can build a future on.”
Reports had suggested that Ibra was looking for a switch because of his relationship with the tactician.
“Ibra is not aching to leave,” Allegri continued. “He is happy in Rossonero. You can have discussions and an exchange of ideas over the course of a season. But he’s a champion and I want to train champions.”
Milan will make changes this summer as a host of veteran players have left, while Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traorè have already come in.
“We had 33 players in the squad this season, but that was because we had to make some adjustments in January because of injuries.
“We’ll have a 25-26 man squad, including three goalkeepers, for the new season.
“Montolivo? Riccardo can play right in the centre of midfield, or just off centre. Traorè has excellent qualities. He is a player who breaks into attack well and he has legs. He can do a lot more.”