Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s recent knee injury is another sign that it’s better for him and Milan if he hangs up his boots this summer.
The 40-year-old Swedish forward has missed 16 games through injury this campaign, suffering from knee and Achilles tendon issues, limiting his contributions to the Rossoneri’s Scudetto challenge.
Ibrahimovic has only played 937 minutes of Serie A action this season. Whilst this isn’t a great amount, he has netted eight goals, a sign that the former Paris Saint-Germain man still has the same quality he’s always possessed. Unfortunately though, that shouldn’t be enough to justify renewing his contract with the club.
Milan have slowly been experiencing a period of growth under Stefano Pioli and their failure to win the league title last season only added to the team’s hunger and maturity, evident with their increased quality this season.
It would be remiss to suggest that Ibrahimovic was not an important part of this process, being a fundamental leader on the pitch and proven winner for the younger players to look up to. His goals were also key, but now another veteran has proven that he can provide the same moments.
The 35-year-old Olivier Giroud joined Milan in a deal worth around €1m last summer and he’s become another key player in Pioli’s squad, giving advice to young stars like Rafael Leao and Alexis Saelemaekers. The Frenchman has also scored vital keys, like his brace in the Derby della Madonnina or his winner against Napoli.
Giroud’s arrival and subsequent impact are a sign that Ibrahimovic is no longer needed, neither as a leader nor goalscorer. His departure also frees up the Rossoneri’s wage bill a little, allowing them to better strengthen the squad in the summer.
If he had no injuries, Milan would win scudetto last season and this season for sure. Look at his numbers when he plays. He always wins titles. Not in Europe but in domestc leagues always. So, only injuries separated him from scudetti.
Imagine what we could do with extra seven million…
Ibra needed to retire when he left MLS.
Its time fore lorenzo colombo and daniele maldini.
The space belongs to Gianluca scamacca
I think Ibra will not renew and it’s already decided. That’s why the club are looking for not one but two strikers.
He will either retire or go back to Sweden to play for the club he bought.
Whatever he decides to do will be with the blessing and support of the club and all milanisti. fact is that prior to his return, we were rudderless and had completely lost out identity. eternal gratitude for a man who has given a lot to Milan.
We must think bigger if Ibra decides to hang his boots up or move on. Origi is a good bench player that could be useful. Berardi worries me as he is not prolific and we need someone who can get 20 goals a season. I feel our squad lacks that bit of quality to get us across the line and with some proper quality we can win the Scudetto. My only regret is not having a few players who could have won us the title last year and probably this year which I have a feeling is going to stay with Inter.
This farce called Ibrahimovic MUST STOP. He has not contributed anything to Milan in 2022 …. always injured …….
He should be made to stop wasting milan’s time and money and make way for a smart, young attacker who can score goals by the dozen …..
by the way, this applies to Giroud as well …..
pensioners should stick to their pension and make way to others …..
@ Milanista
Berardi is not prolific?! Please show me a right winger more prolific than him in the last three years. Anyone in the world of football other than Salah?