Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims “at 38 I’ve had more offers than when I was 28” but chose Milan because they “gave me back my happiness after Barcelona.”
Ibrahimovic was officially unveiled as a Milan player for the second time on Friday morning, the striker having returned to San Siro on an initial contract until the end of the season.
“I feel the expectations, I have a good relationship with the fans,” he began.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims “at 38 I’ve had more offers than when I was 28” but chose Milan because they “gave me back my happiness after Barcelona.”
Ibrahimovic was officially unveiled as a Milan player for the second time on Friday morning, the striker having returned to San Siro on an initial contract until the end of the season.
“I feel the expectations, I have a good relationship with the fans,” he began.
“Fifty percent of what we do is theirs, it’s easier to do things [with them on side]. I’m ready and I hope to play right away.
“After my last game for Galaxy, Maldini called me. We talked about how I was feeling, as well as some general things.
“At 38 I’ve had more offers than I did when I was 28. I was looking for the adrenaline inside me, to get the most out of myself.
“I talked to Boban a lot, then a month passed and after the Atalanta game there were many calls.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision. In 2012 I left without my blessing, but the situation was what it was and there was nothing I could do about it.
“Milan gave me back my happiness to play football after Barcelona. I come here to improve things.
“I’ve seen the team from the outside. We’re thinking one game at a time and the team have quality.
“Our results haven’t been ‘wow’, but [the season] is a marathon, not a sprint. I haven’t lost passion for what I do.
“Milan is always Milan, history doesn’t change. The team is perhaps not as before, but after Berlusconi many things happened.
“I’d like to have Boban and Maldini on the pitch, but [me] being on the pitch isn’t bad either.
“We can’t always be the same, your physique and level of experience changes, but your confidence doesn’t.
“With my teammates, I’ll be much worse. Now that I have two children, I understand …
“I’ll be myself, my teammates know what I’m like. Not everyone likes to suffer, but I do and for this I always work hard.
“Before the injury I had [at Manchester United], I thought many things. Many said it was impossible for me to come back.
“I worked hard and, as long as I can work, I can play. It’s impossible for me to play like I did 10 years ago, but I know what I can do.
“Instead of running, I can shoot from 40 yards out! I know that the pressure to play for Milan is very high from the fans, club and my teammates.
“Everyone expects results. More needs to be done. If you play for Milan it’s not out of luck but rather to deliver results.
“Collectively, I want us to improve our situation. Individually, I want to have as much fun as possible and feel the grass.
“I prefer that people jeer me, so more adrenaline comes out.”