Zlatan Ibrahimovic jokes about his record as the oldest scorer in Serie A and the retaken penalty technique, receiving the captain’s armband and why it’s tougher for Milan as Champions of Italy. ‘If I am in good shape, I want to continue.’
This was his first start since January 2022, the first time he had worn the captain’s armband for the Rossoneri and he scored to set a new all-time record as oldest ever Serie A scorer at the age of 41 years and 166 days.
The previous record holder was Alessandro ‘Billy’ Costacurta, who funnily enough had also converted a penalty in Milan’s defeat to Udinese in May 2007, although that was at San Siro.
“He can keep the record, I don’t want this record,” joked Ibra on Sky Sport Italia, with Costacurta in the studio, who then asked if the Swede will remain at the club after retirement.
“I am proud to be in the history of this club, because it is a great club with great history, players who did amazing things, and having my name in there means a lot to me. This goal did not bring points, which is what I wanted. I was also proud to be captain, but the game didn’t go the way we wanted.
“I felt very good on the field, I hadn’t started a match in 14 months and the important thing is to be in good shape. If I feel as good as I did today, I can still play, I have no doubts about myself.”
Ibrahimovic was not originally meant to be the captain, but it was given to him by Ismael Bennacer and his teammates.
“Ismael came to my room and said I want you to be the captain. I told him fine, I’ll take the pressure off you and let you focus on the game,” smiled Ibrahimovic.
His first penalty was saved by Marco Silvestri, but had to be retaken due to encroachment and he took a different approach.
“I thought the first penalty was good too, it was a fantastic save. When I got the second chance, I thought I will get that ball in the net even if I have to send the goalkeeper in there with it.”
During his injury lay-off, Zlatan spent much of the time on the touchline almost acting as an assistant manager to Stefano Pioli, so does he know why Milan keep having these ups and downs?
“There are two scenarios here. One is playing when you want to be Champions of Italy, another is playing as the Champions of Italy. I have been in this situation before. When you play as champions, every fixture against you becomes like a cup final for your opponent, they mark it in their calendar.
“It was totally different last season, we now have pressure in every match, which is normal when you are challenging for trophies. You have to be ready and prepared, because everyone wants to beat the champions. Look at Udinese, the way they celebrated after the goals, it was like they scored in a cup final.
“This team does not have the experience of playing as champion of Italy, so that is why we have seen these ups and downs. We weren’t always at the top. It is not an excuse, it is an explanation of the difference between those who have won and those who haven’t.”
Milan will face Napoli in the Champions League quarter-finals, but Ibrahimovic cannot be added to the squad for the tournament now.
“Obviously, everyone wants to play in the Champions League, but I was not ready when the time came to write the lists. I respect that choice. All I can do now is prepare my colleagues in the best way in training, stay close to them and do what I can. I have faith in this team, they will do well against Napoli.”
Serie A has six teams in the quarter-finals between the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, so is Calcio back?
“I think it is very positive, because we were seven going into the Round of 16, now we are six. I speak like an Italian! It means Serie A gets more co-efficient points for next year. The league is going well, because when people said Serie A wasn’t as beautiful as the Premier League and Italy won the Euros, they stayed quiet. Now things are going better at club level too and that’s wonderful.”
Ibrahimovic was asked how much longer he wants to play, seeing as he will be 42 in October.
“If I am in good shape, I want to continue. Those who retire and felt fit tend to have regrets. I suffered so much in those 14 months, this is my chance to make up for that and get back into the sport.
“I am happy at Milan, it depends on them and what they want, but I have no problems here.”