Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta would extend Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract although the Rossoneri ‘no longer need him.’
The former Italy defender spoke about the Serie A title race in an interview with Il Mattino. Milan and Napoli share the top spot in the league table, with Inter following them two points behind and with a game in hand. Milan and Napoli meet at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday.
“I don’t think that the result of the game will be decisive [for the Scudetto] because teams have proved not to be consistent enough this season,” said Costacurta.
“The title won’t be decided in games between direct opponents. There isn’t a team who can run away on top of the table.
“Spalletti has joined the perfect team to win the title. Those who worked there before him added something. Now it’s up to him. Pioli has created a team out of a group of individualists.
“I think that Milan no longer needs Ibra,” added Costacurta.
“I’d confirm him for one more season, but Milan no longer depends on him. This has been the real step forward. The team has matured.”
Ibrahimovic returned to Milan in January 2020 and has led Milan on and off the pitch, helping Pioli to build a competitive squad. The Rossoneri qualified for the Champions League for the first time in eight years last term.
However, the 40-year-old has only managed 19 appearances across all competitions this term, scoring nine goals. He’s been forced to the sidelines since the end of January due to an Achilles tendon injury and is still training apart from the rest of the team. His €7m-a-year contract expires at the end of the season.
Costacurta: "Il Milan non ha più bisogno di Ibra. Napoli da scudetto" https://t.co/kxZXvudX8m #Fantacalcio #FantacalcioSerieATIM pic.twitter.com/TUAv5YYaNA
— Fantacalcio (@Fantacalcio) March 2, 2022
It’s a strange conclusion. Milan doesn’t need him buy he’d renew Ibrahimovic? Maybe if Ibra would agree to a 1-2 million salary, but at the current rate it’s unacceptable. I’d much rather pocket the 7m and see if we can use it on a younger, faster, fitter striker.
I agree with him. Obviously if he extends it’s not gonna be anywhere close to his current salary. He absolutely deserved what he got for the past two seasons though, even with his injuries, for just his presence.
He’s right. Last time we had Ibra we fell apart as soon as he left, because everything went through him. That’s no longer the case for various reasons but I would also extend his contract for another year. He may not be able to play 40 games a season these days but he’s very important at Milan.
At a much reduced salary and a possible coaching role, I should add.