Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo explains what he learned by training with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the nickname the Swide gave him: ‘He called me Hulk.’
Colombo, a product of the Rossoneri academy, joined Lecce on loan last summer and has scored three goals in 13 Serie A appearances this term.
The 20-year-old made his senior debut with the Rossoneri aged 18 in a Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus.
He trained with Ibrahimovic at Milanello before joining Serie B side SPAL on loan in 2021-22 and Lecce last summer.
“It was an amazing and crucial experience [to train with Ibra],” Colombo told Tuttosport.
“I’ve known him well. He is such a funny guy, but at the same time, he is able to keep the level of attention and quality in the dressing room high. I’ve learned how to take care of every detail, thanks to him.
“He made me understand that every day is decisive for the growth of players, on and off the pitch. I’ve had an amazing rapport with him. He also gave me a nickname, Hulk.”
Colombo is one of the most exciting prospects in Italy and has scored two goals in 14 appearances with the U21 squad. How has Lecce boss Marco Baroni helped him?
“The coach is helping me so much, he helps me fight pressure. He tells me where I must improve and I listen with great attention. I know that everything he tells me is for my and my teammates’ good.”
Lecce have an option to make Colombo’s move permanent in 2023, but the Rossoneri can re-sign the promising striker thanks to a buy-back option.
Colombo has scored one goal in 11 appearances with the Rossoneri in his debut as a starter in a Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt in September 2020.