Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Milan ‘wanted win at all costs and showed the character of this team’ after coming back to beat Fiorentina 3-2, then joked about his Sweden recall.
The Rossoneri were still decimated by injuries, fatigued after Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Manchester United, but proved once again they do not give in after a 3-2 win in Florence.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Milan ‘wanted win at all costs and showed the character of this team’ after coming back to beat Fiorentina 3-2, then joked about his Sweden recall.
The Rossoneri were still decimated by injuries, fatigued after Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Manchester United, but proved once again they do not give in after a 3-2 win in Florence.
“After a defeat and going out of the Europa League, now we have the Scudetto to fight for. A comeback like this was very important,” Ibra told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had spirit, mentality, we were 2-1 down, but we wanted to win at all costs. We showed the character of this team and we must continue like this.
“I am taking on my responsibility to help this team any way I can, on and off the field. The team reacted well, this is an intense period of the season and now some have a break. Some don’t,” he laughed.
That is a reference to the fact Ibrahimovic has been recalled to international duty with Sweden after several years of retirement. Was that his desire?
“My desire was to continue playing, to feel joy in football, and anything extra is a bonus. It is a great honour for me to play with Sweden after a few years.
“It’s true the coach came to see me at the Milanello training ground, we talked, and now I am called up.”
Ibrahimovic was told he had become the oldest ever player to score 15 Serie A goals in one season, but wasn’t pleased with the record.
“No, let’s not talk about my age! I feel like Benjamin Button, the more time goes on, the more I feel young.”
No Ibrahimovic conversation is complete without questions on his contract extension.
“I want to see what I do on the pitch and prove that I deserve a renewal! It’s all under control, we have a good rapport and we’ll see what happens. There’s no rush.”