Zlatan Ibrahimovic explains the characteristics that made Strahinja Pavlovic a ‘perfect’ fit to cover an area where Milan were lacking last season. ‘He will be a fan favourite. He’s a beast!’
The defender turned 23 in May and was a big investment for this summer, purchased from RB Salzburg for €18m plus add-ons.
He held his presentation press conference this afternoon and club advisor Ibrahimovic was sat by his side to introduce the Serbia international to the Rossoneri supporters.
“Pavlovic was named as the perfect player according to our team of scouts and after a while of watching him, we were all convinced,” said Ibrahimovic.
“He is an aggressive, left-footed player, and in defence our only left-footer is Theo Hernandez. He has the right attitude, which we want. You need a bit of determination and Pavlovic is the right fit for this team.
“Paulo Fonseca really likes him, he is young and has margin for improvement, but already has Champions League and international experience.”
The negotiations with RB Salzburg dragged on for a while, but Milan finally decided to make the financial sacrifice to sign the central defender.
“We did everything to bring him here. I am 200 per cent he will be a fan favourite. He is someone who goes into every duel with heart, the fans can sense when you give 200 per cent and I say that as an ex-player.”
Ibrahimovic on importance of details in Milan defence
Much has been said about the Milan defence now that Simon Kjaer has left, but after interest from Newcastle United, it seems as if Malick Thiaw will be staying at San Siro.
“We have five central defenders, while Pierre Kalulu can also play on the right,” explained Ibrahimovic.
“Of these four, only Pavlovic is left-footed and it is important in our view to have a central defender who uses his left foot. It’s going to be a transfer strategy built on details and this is one of the details we were missing.
“Strahinja is a leader on and off the field, which is not easy when only 23 years old.”
Ibra – as he is known generally in Italy rather than Zlatan – tried to help create the sense of awe around the new arrival when a journalist tried to ask a question by referring to him as ‘Pavlo.’
“You are already giving him a nickname? He is a beast, not Pavlo!” said the Swede.