Zlatan Ibrahimovic was amusingly self-deprecating after missing a penalty and scoring Milan’s equaliser with Verona. ‘I’m leaving the next one to Franck Kessie!’
It was quite a night for the Swede, who missed his third consecutive penalty, hit the woodwork with a header, forced a series of saves, his handball ruined a Davide Calabria goal and he scored the 93rd-minute equaliser.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was amusingly self-deprecating after missing a penalty and scoring Milan’s equaliser with Verona. ‘I’m leaving the next one to Franck Kessie!’
It was quite a night for the Swede, who missed his third consecutive penalty, hit the woodwork with a header, forced a series of saves, his handball ruined a Davide Calabria goal and he scored the 93rd-minute equaliser.
“I am angry, obviously, because a draw today is not good enough,” Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport Italia before breaking into a smile.
“We had so many chances, I missed a penalty and I think I’m leaving the next one to Kessie! That would be better…
“We conceded two goals, got two back, we go forward and the important thing is not to lose our confidence. Considering the way the table is now, we want to win every game.”
On the penalty, Marco Silvestri said ‘didn’t you miss the last one?’ just as Ibra was making the run-up.
“He’s not wrong, I did miss the last one,” smiled Zlatan.
“There are many games now and when you get tired, you are not always at 100 per cent. Fortunately, the break for international duty is here, because I need rest. I didn’t have the sharpness and usual determination I have in front of goal. I just felt like I wasn’t all there.
“We have to play for objectives, we can’t just go out there and be happy to play. At least, I can’t, it’s not my philosophy.”
This week, Ibrahimovic posted an image on Instagram of him wearing the Sweden jersey. Did that mean he wants a recall?
“No, I was just trying to irritate people in Sweden,” he grinned.
For all the faux arrogance, Ibrahimovic confessed he can’t say no to pulling on his football boots.
“The coach can tell me you’re playing 45 minutes and that’s it, I am a professional, I say yes. I remember in Manchester it was really tough to play on Thursday and then recover. After the injury I had, which could’ve been the end there, I feel like a kid just being able to step onto the pitch. I feel the sheer joy of playing football.
“I see more teams now that are fighting for higher up the table and it wasn’t sides like Atalanta in the past. I’ve played in many countries and I can confirm Italy is the toughest for strikers.
“There are many teams challenging for the top, there are some that haven’t reached their peak yet. It’s a packed agenda, so the side in the best shape will eventually win the Scudetto.”
Ibra was asked if he missed the Ballon d’Or and other personal silverware.
“No, trophies are nice and all, but I don’t need those to feel strong. I am playing, trying to do my best to help my teammates and that’s it.”
He just turned 39, so will he extend his contract at Milan next season?
“After today, I don’t think it’s looking good!”